Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Lavon Heidemann has resigned from office and removed himself as the running mate of Republican gubernatorial candidate Pete Ricketts.
On Monday, a judge issued a protection order against Heidemann after Heidemann's sister, Lois Bohling, testified that she was afraid of her brother. Bohling said in a sworn statement that her brother grabbed her wrists and pushed her out of their mother's bedroom during an August dispute involving farmland and their 84-year-old mother's care.
Heidemann has said he disputes much of his sister's story, but has not elaborated.
Heidemann announced his resignation during an emotional news conference at the state capitol Tuesday morning alongside Governor Dave Heineman.
In a prepared statement, Heidemann said he's received support and encouragement from people across the state and said the statements made about him are not who he is. He said he's resigning for the good of his family and the state of Nebraska.
"This has been a difficult situation, and after much thought, discussion and prayer, I have decided that for the good of my family, for the Office of Lt. Governor, and for the future of Nebraska, I am resigning today from the Office of Lt. Governor, as well as withdrawing as running mate for Pete Ricketts," he said.
"For the past 10 years, it has been an honor serving my constituents and the citizens of Nebraska. I am proud of what we have accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to serve Nebraskans."
Governor Heineman says Heidemann informed him of his decision to resign Monday night, during a meeting in the Governor’s office. Heineman says it’s an “unfortunate situation” and a “sad day for the state of Nebraska.”
Governor Heineman says he did not ask for Heidemann’s resignation and did not ask him to stay on after he offered to resign. Heineman said public officials should be held to a high standard and the decision to resign was appropriate.
Heidemann, of Elk Creek, served eight years as District One State Senator. He was elected to the Board of Regents in 2012 before he was appointed Lieutenant Governor in February 2013, replacing Rick Sheehy, who also abruptly resigned from the office.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Hiawatha man charged after escape from police custody
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
USD 115 board fails to fill vacancy after 3 votes
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
Lansing man arrested in overdose death
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
LATEST STORIES
Winter help deadlines fast approaching
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
Easter celebrations set for Atchison
Nemaha Co Commission approves grant applications
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
Hiawatha street repair project approved
Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska
RELATED STORIES
Hassebrook Campaigns in SE Nebraska
Neb. Republicans Nominate Ricketts for Governor
Pawnee County Election Results
Congressional Candidate Visits Falls City
Department of Roads: Keep Political Signs off Right-of-Way
Hassebrook Brings Campaign for Governor to Southeast Nebraska
Sasse Enters Nebraska Senate Race
Area Legislator Addresses Missed Votes