Candidate Accuses Hill of Improper Threat

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — One of three Republican candidates for Wyoming superintendent of public instruction says current Superintendent Cindy Hill improperly sought to influence his decision to enter the race.

Bill Winney says Hill threatened to oppose his wife's employment case that was before the Department of Education if he entered the race.

Hill, a Republican running for governor, denied Winney's accusation, saying it was a desperate attempt by Winney to draw attention to himself.

Winney says the state should investigate, but Wyoming Attorney General Peter Michael has directed him to local law enforcement.

Winney says Hill didn't want him to run against Hill's close associate, Sheryl Lain.

Winney, Lain and Jillian Balow are running for the GOP nomination in the Aug. 19 primary.