OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Republican candidate for attorney general sought to intervene on behalf of former Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann as Heidemann’s sister sought a protection order against him.

Doug Peterson, the GOP attorney general candidate, called the attorney of Heidemann’s sister, Lois Bohling, after she applied for the protection order.

Bohling’s attorney, Steve Mercure, told the newspaper that Peterson threatened to file a defamation lawsuit if Bohling proceeded with her request. Peterson denies that, saying he only called to ask if Bohling had received a letter from Heidemann asking for a family reconciliation and suggesting family counseling.

Heidemann resigned from office Tuesday and withdrew from the Republican gubernatorial ticket after a judge granted Bohling a domestic abuse protection order against Heidemann.