Carson City- Jill Derby resigned as Nevada Democratic chairwoman today and shortly afterward announced that she would again seek the 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Republican Dean Heller.

“My allegiance lies with those Nevadans,” said Derby, “Democrat, Republican, and Independent ­ who know that we can do better, and who are disappointed in the politicians who have lost sight of our values. It’s time to move past the same Washington politics that leaves Nevada families behind.”

Derby lost to Heller in 2006 by over 12,000 votes, but hopes that the success of the Democrats’ Jan. 19 caucus will give her an organizational edge this time around.  Derby hinted about a prospective run in an AP interview last month in which she highlighted this organizational advantage.

"Look at the turnout, look at the enthusiasm, look at the interest in the Nevada caucus and the kind of new energy there is," said Derby.  “That's 1,750 precincts all over Nevada, identifying leadership, training leadership. It's a whole new network of activists that we've never had before."

With Derby’s resignation, former First Vice-Chair Sam Lieberman has assumed the chairmanship of the state Democratic Party.

“I'm honored to lead our party as Nevada Democrats focus on winning the Silver State for our presidential nominee, sending more Democrats to Congress, gaining a majority in the State Senate, and picking up seats in the Assembly,” said Lieberman.

Sue Lowden, chairwoman of the Nevada Republican Party, also sent out a statement today on Derby’s candidacy in which she slammed Derby as the candidate of “Nancy Pelosi” and “the Washington insiders.”

“Jill Derby can hardly be considered an independent voice after being the Democratic Party boss for the past year,” said Lowden.  “Nevadans in the Second Congressional District have no interest in a candidate who supports increasing taxes, amnesty for over 12 million illegal immigrants, and a Democratic Congress that has failed to provide any type of relief for Nevada families."