New Jersey Gov Mikie Sherrill calls on lieutenant governor to resign after sexual harassment investigation

By Fox News · Fox News

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill called on handpicked Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign by Friday after an independent investigation substantiated sexual harassment and two ethics violations. The investigation found Caldwell told a female staffer that "you young women are looking for young sperm" after she told him her younger friend was not interested in a romantic relationship with him. Investigators concluded the sexually charged remark constituted sexual harassment and said Caldwell's denial that he made the comment was not credible. The staffer said she subsequently attempted to distance herself from Caldwell at work and avoid traveling with him when possible. REPUBLICANS TIGHTEN SCREWS ON SHERRILL AS NONCITIZEN VOTER PROBE ENTERS NEW PHASE "I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so," Sherrill said Thursday, calling the substantiated sexual harassment finding "extremely troubling." The report also substantiated two ethics violations, finding Caldwell brought personal guests to ticketed events without advance ethics clearance or payment and repeatedly attempted to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship. Investigators found Caldwell continued bringing unpaid guests to events despite repeated training and warnings, including on May 23, one day after he was formally notified of the investigation. SHERRILL ESCALATES TRUMP FIGHT OVER VOTER FIASCO DAY AFTER MULLIN PRAISES NJ COOPERATION Four days after receiving notice of the investigation, Caldwell also used his state email account to recommend his romantic partner for a leadership position in another executive branch department, referring to her as "my friend" and forwarding her resume and letter of interest. Investigators said Caldwell did not disclose their romantic relationship while advocating for her promotion. Caldwell denied wrongdoing in a May response to investigators, calling the allegations false and misleading and saying he believed the…