CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A state district judge is considering whether to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by a former Wyoming schools superintendent against a former U.S. House candidate.

District Judge Thomas Campbell heard arguments Wednesday on a motion by Tim Stubson to dismiss the lawsuit filed against him by Cindy Hill.

Hill contends that Stubson made malicious and false statements about her during his U.S. House campaign last year. Stubson lost in the primary to Liz Cheney, who eventually won the seat.

Stubson's attorney argued that comments made by Stubson about Hill are protected political speech.

Hill's attorney contends that Stubson's comments are false and not protected.

The comments by Stubson concerned the controversy over removing Hill as administrator of the state Education Department while she was state superintendent of public instruction.

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