NJ Governor Urges Her No. 2 to Resign After Secretive Probe

New Jersey's governor is publicly urging the man she chose as her No. 2 to step aside, Politico reports. Mikie Sherrill on Thursday called for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign by Friday, citing a confidential probe she ordered that concluded he had engaged in conduct while in office that amounted to sexual harassment and violated ethics guidelines. Politico reports the monthslong probe has been "closely guarded," but one allegation investigators revealed is that he allegedly tried to advance a romantic partner in a state job without disclosing their relationship. The AP reports he is also accused of hitting on a staffer's friend, then telling the staffer after he was rejected, "You young women are looking for young sperm." He is also accused of bringing guests to ticketed events without paying.

Sherrill, who cannot remove Caldwell on her own, said his departure is "necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents." She claims his "ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings," NBC News reports. Caldwell denies wrongdoing and, according to allies, has no plans to quit. His attorney argued the evidence does not support the report's conclusions. Ousting Caldwell would require impeachment by the state Legislature, since the job is protected by the state constitution.