A spokeswoman for Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Goli Ameri said Ameri would not be discussing if she's interested in becoming the next chair of the Oregon Republican Party.

"Assistant Secretary Ameri will not be discussing her future plans while in her current position,” said Kate Starr, spokeswoman for the ECA Bureau. “She is focused on finishing her tenure as head of the Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau at the Department of State."

Ameri’s name was first reported on Oregon Catalyst on Thursday as a potential candidate to succeed current party chair Vance Day. Day is running for re-election. Former State Rep. Bob Tiernan has also said he will be running for the position. Former House Speaker Lynn Snodgrass has been floated as a potential candidate as well.

Ameri is best remembered as being a tough candidate and an excellent fundraiser when she ran against current U.S. Rep. David Wu (D-Portland) for the OR-1 congressional seat in 2004. She was appointed Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs by President George W. Bush in March.