Assemblywoman Brennan calls for a thorough, independent investigation of the Caldwell allegations
Democratic Assemblywoman (D-32), in a press statement
“These are serious allegations that deserve a thorough and independent investigation. Anyone who uses the power of public office to mistreat the people around them has no business holding it.”
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
Press statement from a Democratic member of the General Assembly responding to the reported internal investigation and announcing legislation on workplace harassment protections.
Reporting
About this source
New Jersey Globe's report of Assemblywoman Brennan's statement.
Before the quotation
The Governor had issued her first, unnamed statement the same day. Brennan's statement announced that she would introduce legislation to strengthen workplace harassment protections and give survivors a clear way to report misconduct in government or on a campaign.
After the quotation
The statement also says Gov. Sherrill moved quickly and that Brennan was glad she did.
How this statement is classified
Case context: Should Dale Caldwell resign as New Jersey's lieutenant governor after the investigation's findings?
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to whether Caldwell should resign after the findings, Brennan states a general principle that applies only if the allegations are borne out and calls for an investigation first. Because her position depends on that unresolved condition, mixed or conditional fits better than condemns.
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Should Dale Caldwell resign as New Jersey's lieutenant governor after the investigation's findings?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
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