By Ayub Khan, IOL Chicago correspondent

CHICAGO, June 23 (IslamOnline) - Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan spoke to the Muslim community at the Islamic Foundation’s annual fair Sunday, June 23.

Ryan, who currently holds the office of state’s Attorney General is facing stiff competition from Democratic heavyweight Rod Blagojavic, and the Muslim vote might prove crucial to his election.

Ryan visited the fair at the invitation of Moin Moon Khan, founding president of the Republican Minority Caucus and president of the American Muslims for Peaceful Co-existence. Khan told IslamOnline that the purpose of inviting Ryan was to highlight the positive aspects of the Islamic community.

Speaking at the event, Arshad Mirza informed Ryan about the problems faced by the Muslim community and said that Muslims, or any other community for that matter, should not be singled out as first alleged suspects.

Mirza said that Muslims condemn all kinds of profiling. He added that the Illinois Anti-Terrorism Bill which was moved by Ryan in the legislature, but was vetoed by the current governor, did not take into consideration any input from the Muslim community.

Ryan responded to the criticism in address by saying that as Illinois governor, his main responsibility would be to ensure the safety, as well as the civil liberties, of all citizens.

“I want to serve you honorably...I will make sure that we honor inclusion...We have to do everything possible to protect ourselves but make sure that we do not cross the line that will violate anyone’s civil liberties. We need to be one family and one state,” Ryan said.

Quoting former U.S. President Bill Clinton, he said: “We do not diminish our own religion by respecting the religion of others.”

“We are all part of the same family,” he added.

Ryan said his top priority would be education, children and families.

Amidst a loud applause Ryan said: “We are going to win this race. Insha’Allah.”

At the end of the event, Ryan was presented with an Indian turban and shawl.

Later on during the event, Joe Birkett, who is running for the office of Illinois Attorney General, and about half a dozen DuPage County Board members also spoke and asked for Muslim support.