NJGOP chair Hanlon says Caldwell must resign immediately
Chair of the New Jersey Republican State Committee, in a party press release
“Caldwell is not only the Lieutenant Governor but is also our Secretary of State — the official charged with overseeing New Jersey’s elections. That office cannot function under these circumstances. For the good of the state, and out of respect for the women whose complaints prompted this investigation, Dale Caldwell must resign as Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State immediately.”
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
The New Jersey Republican State Committee's press release, issued after the New Jersey Globe reported the investigation and before any allegations or findings were published. It cites reporting that the inquiry began in late spring.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
The New Jersey Globe had reported on September 4 that Caldwell was the subject of an internal investigation over alleged inappropriate behavior with women and possible ethics violations. The specific allegations were not yet public.
After the quotation
The release also faults the Sherrill administration for not disclosing the investigation sooner and says Caldwell should have been placed on leave while it was under way.
How this statement is classified
Responding to: Lt. Gov. Caldwell's resignation is "necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents" because the investigation substantiated serious, repeated violations of state policy.
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to whether Caldwell should resign over the conduct the investigation examined, Hanlon expressly says he must resign immediately. The statement predates the report and rests on the reported existence of an investigation, but it is an express call for his departure, so condemns fits better than a conditional label.
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- Dale Caldwell
Should Dale Caldwell resign as New Jersey's lieutenant governor after the investigation's findings?
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Read the full case“The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so. … These violations substantiated in the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration. The ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings. The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling. … As a former federal prosecutor, I’m committed to ensuring everyone is treated fairly. This investigation was thorough and impartial. It was initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a respected former state Attorney General. … The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”Read statement
“This unnecessarily protracted and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state … The Lieutenant Governor was not provided a meaningful opportunity to address each of these anonymous allegations or offer readily identifiable witnesses who possessed more pertinent, first-hand knowledge of the events in question. … The most serious finding involves an allegation that Dr. Caldwell made an inappropriate comment during a car ride. Dr. Caldwell categorically denies making that statement. … There is a meaningful difference between making a good-faith error when analyzing the regulations and deliberately using public office for personal benefit. … The Lieutenant Governor participated in the investigative process faithfully to the limited extent permitted, expecting a genuine truth-seeking inquiry. Unfortunately, the report twists seemingly benign phrases, such as ‘executive presence,’ to imply improper motive; relies heavily and unduly on the anonymous complainant’s perceptions, characterizations, and multi-layered hearsay; and disregards the testimony of staffers who did not share those views, as well as the Lieutenant Governor’s own account.”Read statement
“It is deeply disappointing that today’s report has confirmed and substantiated the ethics complaints and harassment allegations against Lt. Gov. Caldwell. This situation has gone on for far too long, and if he doesn’t agree to resign, the Legislature should follow the necessary protocols to resolve this matter once and for all.”Read statement