Congressional candidate Kurt Eckhardt's comments about not trusting Islam drew renewed criticism Friday from Chicago-area Muslims who called a news conference to say such statements have no place in political campaigns.

Today, we are standing together against the growing use of race, religion, and immigrant bashing in the political discourse of our nation. It is Important that we stand united against all forms of bigotry. An attack on one is an attack on all.

On Friday, October 1, 2004, representatives of Chicago-area interfaith, Latino, Asian, and immigrant organizations will hold a news conference at the Downtown Islamic Center to protest what the groups say is "hate-filled" rhetoric about Muslims by Illinois Republican congressional candidate Kurt Eckhardt.

The Republican challenger to three-term Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky said Monday he's distrusted Islam "for years" and supports the federal government planting human monitors in mosques to track the activity of those practicing the religion there.