Ricketts Chooses Running Mate

Lincoln, NE – Nebraska Republican Gubernatorial Nominee Pete Ricketts today named Lavon Heidemann, current Lieutenant Governor, farmer and livestock producer, former Regent, and former state senator, as his running mate and nominee for Lieutenant Governor.

“Lavon is a man of great character, broad experience, and collaborative skill,” Ricketts said.  “In the many roles he’s filled – farmer, school board member, volunteer firefighter, state senator, and now as Lt. Governor – he’s earned the respect of others by being honest, working hard, and working till the job is done.  An expert on the state budget and a former key leader in the Legislature, he’s the partner I need to help grow new opportunities in Nebraska.”

“I am honored to join Pete in his campaign to be Nebraska’s next governor,” Heidemann said.  “I am excited about his vision for new growth and responsible reform.  I look forward to partnering with him to develop constructive relationships within the Legislature and throughout Nebraska that will help improve state services and create conditions for the growth of new and better-paying jobs.”

Heidemann was appointed Lieutenant Governor in February 2013.  Prior to that, he briefly served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.  From 2005 to 2013, he was a state senator.  During six of those years, he served as chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He began his public service in 1996 as a member of the Elk Creek School Board.  He is a long-time member of the Nebraska Cattlemen and Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Heidemann is a farmer, livestock producer, and volunteer firefighter from Elk Creek in Johnson County.  His work experience includes time as general foreman for a drilling company in Alaska.  He was born in Pawnee City and graduated from Elk Creek High School. Heidemann and his wife Robin attend St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Elk Creek.  They have three children and six grandchildren.