The Federation of Illinois Young Republicans will hold elections for new officers at their annual convention this weekend.

Amy Sejnost Kovacevic, president of DuPage Young Republicans, is running for secretary of FIYR. Kovacevic is uniquely qualified for this position. Since the age of nine Kovacevic has been involved in Republican politics.

"Ever since my father became a Downers Grove Committeeman I've been excited about politics," Kovacevic said. "I thought it was so cool he got to meet candidates and wanted to get the chance to do it too."

Kovacevic joined her father in walking precincts, gathering petitions and doing what she could to advance Republican efforts in Downers Grove, DuPage County and Illinois. In 2003 Kovacevic became a committeewoman in Downers. She also worked with DuPage Young Republicans. In 2005 she became secretary and then vice president in 2006. For the last two years she's been president of the DuPage Young Republicans. During her tenure membership in the organization has grown as have the grassroots efforts of the organization.

"I do what I do because I have a passion for it. But it's not just about me, it's about my family, my friends and people I've never met. I believe in the principles of the republican Party and will do what I can to advance them. We need to take the good things we've done in DuPage County and take it to the rest of Illinois and turn this state around," Kovacevic said.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Dagmar Lofgren, executive director of DuPage Republican Party, praised Kovacevic's tireless work for the party and YRs. In a letter of endorsement Lofgren said Kovacevic has " <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <![endif]-->has worked at the grassroots level for years without complaint and without seeking advancement for herself." 

"She does not view her involvement as being a self centered interest, but what is best for the team," Lofgren said.

Brian Krajewski, chairman of Downers Grove Republicans, agreed. In a letter of endorsement he stressed Kovacevic's work as a committeewoman. He said she spent countless hours walking precincts, assembling yard signs and gathering petitions.

Kovacevic will make an excellent addition to the Federation of Illinois Young Republicans.