Governor Phil Murphy called for the immediate resignation of Bergen County Sheriff Mike Saudino after perceived racist remarks – against blacks and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal – made by the sheriff turned up on tape.

WNYC has the full story here.

“If that’s his voice, Sheila and I find that completely unacceptable not just inconsistent with our values but New Jersey values, American values,” Murphy said this afternoon at his press conference in Atlantic City.

Bergen Democratic sources were reviewing the situation this afternoon in crisis mode.  Following the Governor’s call for Saudino to resign, Bergen Executive Tedesco issued a statement saying he believes Saudino should step down.  Tedesco’s GOP opponent Norman Schmelz issued a statement tearing into Saudino, and county government.  BCDO Chairman Lou Stellato echoed Murphy’s and Tedesco’s call, urging Saudino to resign. Attorney General Grewal said Saudino should ‘resign immediately’ if the Sheriff is the voice on the audio.