Rangel left off Dem speaking list

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The Obama campaign is denying U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, the powerful House Ways and Means chairman, a spot at the Democratic convention podium, sources said.

Rangel supported Sen. Hillary Clinton in the primary but was instrumental in getting Clinton to bow out in favor of Sen. Barack Obama, the presumed Democratic presidential candidate.

Obama supporters come first in line to speak at the convention, campaign leaders say, ahead of Rangel.

Rangel supporters brand the Obama team's decision to keep the Harlem congressman from speaking as a snub. Rangel was seen as more aggravated than angry at his diminished role at the Denver convention, Politico reported.

One observer called the move "crazy" since Rangel controls tax policy in Congress. Another said Rangel was the New York face of Hillary Clinton and "There's already an awful lot of Clinton in this convention."