Former New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell has publicly broken his silence following his abrupt resignation, vehemently denying the findings of a sexual harassment and ethics probe that led to his ouster. Speaking exclusively to reporters, Caldwell characterized the independent investigation’s report, which detailed a substantiated sexual harassment claim and improper efforts to promote a romantic partner, as “specious,” “ridiculous,” and “poorly done.” He asserted that his resignation was not an admission of guilt but a strategic move to prevent his situation from becoming a “distraction” to Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration, stating, “I’m not resigning because of that ridiculous report. I’m resigning because I don’t want to be a distraction to the Mikie Sherrill administration.” Caldwell, who also served as Secretary of State, insisted he was stepping aside to allow others to succeed without impediment, drawing on his prior experience as a university president and in the corporate world. While encouraging the public to review the report, he indicated his legal team would address specifics, expressing disappointment in the investigation’s legal execution. Governor Sherrill, however, defended the probe as “very thorough” and “lays out a pattern and practice of long-term concerning behavior,” affirming the sexual harassment claims as “substantiated” and noting Caldwell’s continued violations despite ethics training. The departure leaves a vacancy in the lieutenant governorship, with Sherrill expected to appoint a permanent successor within 45 days, and places Senate President Nicholas Scutari next in the line of gubernatorial succession in the interim.
Adapted from: Latest Political News on Fox News
