Embattled Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Hires Democrat Insider Peter Harvey Amid Serious Misconduct Allegations
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Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, facing grave accusations of inappropriate conduct toward women and possible ethics violations, has recruited former Attorney General Peter Harvey—a Democratic establishment figure—to lead his defense. Caldwell denies the allegations, but critics question the transparency and integrity of the process.
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, under fire for alleged inappropriate behavior toward women and accusations of offering state jobs in exchange for favors, is now relying on former Attorney General Peter Harvey, a prominent Democratic insider, to orchestrate his legal and political defense. Harvey, who previously served as New Jersey’s first Black attorney general and has deep ties to the Democratic Party, has a record of working with the NFL on hiring issues and spent years as a federal monitor for the Newark Police Department.
Caldwell has publicly denied the allegations, asserting in a May 28 letter to state officials that he never pursued women romantically while in office. He also lashed out at the administration’s decision to bring in a law firm led by former Attorney General Christopher Porrino for an internal review, accusing them of trying to undermine his reputation—an accusation that some see as an attempt to deflect from the seriousness of the charges.
Caldwell, the first Black individual to hold the lieutenant governor position in New Jersey, has reportedly suggested that race is a factor in the investigation—a claim that critics argue is a diversion from the real issue: alleged abuse of power and ethical misconduct. Governor Phil Murphy has refused to confirm whether an active investigation is underway, instead issuing a generic statement about the need to examine credible reports of misconduct while protecting the rights of the accused.
"Any credible report of misconduct must be fully examined while also emphasizing that the rights of those accused must be protected," the governor said.
Harvey did not respond to a request for comment.