Heidemann Resigns as Nebraska Lt. Governor; Foley New Ricketts' Running Mate

Nebraska Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann resigned from office Tuesday.

The resignation comes one day after a judge issued a protection order against him for allegedly grabbing his sister's wrist and forcing her out of a house in connection with a family dispute.

Heidemann also said he is withdrawing as Republican gubernatorial candidate Pete Ricketts' running mate. Just hours after Heidemann's announcement, Ricketts announced he has selected state auditor Mike Foley to join him on the ticket as his lt. governor.

Nebraska law sets a Sept. 1 deadline for candidates to withdraw. But the Nebraska Constitution gives candidates for governor the power to choose their running mates, and contains no deadline.