New Jersey Governor Demands: ‘I’m Calling For His Resignation’

New Jersey is experiencing a political earthquake.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill photo.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has publicly demanded the resignation of her handpicked Lieutenant Governor, Dale Caldwell by today.

The Allegations Against Caldwell Are Serious

Governor Sherrill had remained pretty quiet about the many allegations swirling about her own Lieutenant Governor.

That was until the release yesterday of a 61-page independent investigation that has substantiated three violations, including:

sexual harassment.
ethics violation involving his advocacy for a state employee with whom investigators said he had a romantic relationship.
violations involving unpaid admission for guests at ticketed events.

Caldwell Is Fighting Back

It appears as though Caldwell has no intentions of resigning.

Caldwell’s attorney disputes the investigation's conclusions and says that Caldwell was not afforded appropriate due process.

Caldwell Is Independently Elected

Sherrill cannot fire him.

What Happens Next?

If Caldwell refuses to resign — New Jersey looks headed to a constitutional showdown, which would bring The State Legislature into the controversy.

The Democrat Majority

The Democrat-led New Jersey Legislature may not have the appetite to impeach and remove Caldwell.

Sherrill picked Caldwell on her own. Democrat legislators did not know who he was. They may not want to get involved.

This Is A Mess For Sherrill

During Sherrill’s first year in office, her relentless anti-Trump rhetoric had placed her on the national stage. That has now come to a screeching halt.

This is an extraordinary political story. Dale Caldwell wasn't an opponent of Governor Sherrill. He wasn't a political rival. He was her running mate.

Sherrill chose him. She put him on the ticket against most veteran New Jersey Democrat hired hands.

And now, less than a year into their administration, Sherrill is publicly demanding that her Lieutenant Governor leave office immediately.

This is a political crisis and a test of Governor Sherrill’s leadership. This is a high stakes political story that will have consequences for years to come.

Developing.