Take the battle.

That was the mandate Demetra Demonte, Republican National Committeewoman, gave to the DuPage Young Republicans during their annual GOP Party.

Nearly 100 Young Republicans and supporters gathered at Arrowhead Golf Club Wednesday night to network and celebrate the end of two-term YR President Amy Sejnost Kovacevic and the beginning term of new YR President Andy Salemi.

Demonte took a few moments to address the importance of grassroots involvement in politics. She said groups like the DuPage Young Republicans are essential to the Republican Party taking back Congress and the Illinois governor’s mansion. She said focusing on issues that unite the party are the key to winning in November. One of the issues Demonte focused on was the recently passed Democrat health care reform package. Democrats say the $1 trillion bill will expand health insurance coverage to 35 million uninsured all while reducing the national debt. Demonte said America’s young people will bear the brunt of the expected boondoggle the bill will create. Demonte also stressed young people will be forced to shoulder the enormous financial debt the bill will create.

“It is up to you to take back the state and nation and end the one party rule and overreach of our president,” Demonte said. “We want to raise an army in DuPage and win in November. With your hard work and commitment we will win.”

Demonte is the driving force behind a leadership initiative between the Republican National Committee, the Illinois Republican Party and Republican coalitions. Demonte is leading a leadership and communications workshop next week in Oak Brook. Demonte said the goal of the workshop, which several DYRs will attend, is to train leaders, teach new skills and hone existing skills, particularly in communications.

Bob Grogan, DuPage County Auditor and keynote speaker, told the Young Republican crowd they must reach out and educate independents, moderates and Tea Partiers about Republican principles and ideals. While there may be some small differences in ideology their goals are similar.

“I look at them like the Marines look at the Navy. They are a bunch of nice guys who will take us to the places we need to fight,” Grogan said.

Outgoing YR President Kovacevic said she poured her heart and soul into the Young Republicans and is proud of what the group accomplished during her tenure. She thanked the members for their hard work and dedication to the organization and its growth. She also said she was sure Salemi would take the group to the next level.

Kovacevic and Salemi have been part of the DuPage YRs since the current incarnation of the organization had only had about 10 members

Salemi promised an open door policy. He said his goal is to continue to grow the organization and be instrumental in electing Republicans to local, state and national offices.

Demonte said she was proud of the DuPage Young Republicans and held the organization up as an example for other Republican coalitions across the state.