Washington ( CNN ) -- The United States is open to a `` more constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government '' following the death of Hugo Chavez on Tuesday and the expulsion of two military attaches . However , the action against the United States is `` not a sign of strength , '' according to a senior Obama administration official , describing the move as an internal political ploy to stir nationalistic fervor . The official said Venezuela 's vice president , Nicolas Maduro , `` is not charismatic '' and is trying to sustain the Chavez legacy and win an election by advancing `` conspiracy theories . '' Chavez died of cancer , Maduro said . President Barack Obama said in a statement that the United States `` reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship '' with Venezuela 's government . `` As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history , the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles , the rule of law , and respect for human rights , '' the statement said . Maduro assumes the interim presidency and elections will be held in 30 days , Venezuela 's foreign minister , Elias Jaua , said during an interview aired on state-run broadcaster VTV . The Obama administration wants the election to be `` free and fair and credible , '' according to the administration official . Hugo Chavez 's death draws sympathy , anger . Maduro made no mention of running for election in his public comments on Tuesday . But he is widely expected to be the United Socialist Party of Venezuela 's candidate and is considered the frontrunner by Latin American experts . The United States will stay out of the election . And the administration official said it remains open to restoring diplomatic relations with an ambassador regardless of the winner . However , given what occurred on Tuesday regarding charges by Venezuela against two U.S. Embassy attaches , the official said `` we need to see more than we saw today . '' The Americans were accused of plotting to destabilize the country , which the State Department dismissed . The administration official believes , however , it is `` counterproductive to be at odds '' with the Venezuelan government . Another administration official said expulsion of the U.S. military aides was a sign the Venezuelan leadership is feeling `` uncertain , unsure and weak , '' and that a more constructive relationship with the United States was `` really up to the Venezuelans if they want that . '' But senior American officials do n't expect the relationship to change dramatically in the short term primarily because Chavez 's system still exists . Opinion : Chavez used force of personality to win votes , influence leaders . The United States , these officials say , will want to see a break with that and movement toward a democratic process . The officials believe that Chavez adherents led by Maduro will want to maintain the same approach , but could be more pragmatic and less confrontational . However , there are strong anti-Venezuelan views on Capitol Hill and it would be difficult to confirm an ambassador . That could change if there is cooperation on issues like counter-narcotics or counter-terrorism , the officials said . The Obama administration is expected to try and get Venezuela to impose sanctions on Iran , which the country has repeatedly violated , they added . Latin American experts believe Chavez 's death could change the dynamic in the region , not only between the United States and Venezuela , but also among Latin American countries . Robert Menendez , chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , said that Chavez ruled `` with an iron hand '' and his death has left a `` political void that we hope will be filled peacefully . '' `` With free and fair elections , Venezuela can begin to restore its once robust democracy and ensure respect for the human , political and civil rights of its people , '' the New Jersey Democrat said . Mike Rogers , chairman of the House Intelligence Committee , called Chavez a `` destabilizing force in Latin America '' and an obstacle to progress . `` I hope his death provides an opportunity for a new chapter in U.S.-Venezuelan relations , '' the Michigan Republican said . iReport : Share your reactions . CNN 's Jim Acosta and Elise Labott contributed to this report .
White House interested in policies that promote democratic principles . Source says expulsion of two U.S. military aides `` not a sign of strength '' Obama administration wants elections to be `` free and fair and credible , '' source says . Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez died after a long fight with cancer .