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Lt. Gov. Heidemann Resigns, Withdraws as Ricketts Running Mate

By Matthew Leaf

09/09/2014

Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann announces his resignation, September 9, 2014

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.

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