Demo seeks national post

"I want to be assigned a region and I would like that to be the Intermountain West," she said.

Woodside is supporting Howard Dean to become the party's national chairman because he also believes in grass-roots activation and supports local candidacy.

BYU's Monson said Woodside's quest would have a much better chance if she were from a "swing" red state.

"For example, picking someone from Colorado, or Nevada, or Arizona, reaching out in one of those states would be a better tactic for the national party," he said.

Woodside is not without support within the state Democratic Party. Chairman Donald Dunn said Woodside has the energy, experience and drive to make changes in the party. She also brings a fresh perspective, he said.

"I'm very excited. Democrats from the West do need to have a seat at the table," he said.

The Association of Chairs and Vice-Chairs is advocating for change in the way the positions — which currently offer no salary and have no operating budget — are perceived, directed and funded. Woodside hopes such activism will make her candidacy viable.

The vice chairmen will be selected by a majority vote of 450 delegates on Feb. 12 in Washington, D.C.

Woodside believes she has a message that resonates with people: "No state should be left behind."

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