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Ricketts names Foley as new running mate

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Republican candidate for governor Pete Ricketts has named Mike Foley as his new running mate.Foley replaces Nebraska Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann, who on Tuesday resigned from office and withdrew from his party's ticket.

Ricketts made the announcement Tuesday afternoon at the Nebraska Republican Party headquarters in Lincoln.

Foley has served as state auditor since 2007.

Heidemann announced he was withdrawing one day after a judge issued a protective order requested by his sister. His sister alleged that Heidemann had grabbed her wrists and pushed her during a dispute over farmland and their elderly mother.

Ricketts says Heidemann notified him Monday night that he was withdrawing, and he accepted the news with "a heavy heart."

Ricketts, of Omaha, is running against Democrat Chuck Hassebrook, of Lyons.

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