As a city councilman, Villaraigosa in 2004 spoke at the Democratic National Convention, but this year he has had a less prominent role, appearing on newscasts and speaking to delegations, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Villaraigosa said he's been asked "100 times," whether he feels snubbed by Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

The mayor noted that he will be in Pueblo, Colo., later this week to campaign for Obama.

"I'm going to campaign as hard for his candidacy," Villaraigosa was quoted as saying. "It matters to Angelenos who is in the White House. If I have a voice to add to this debate, I intend to use it."

Los Angeles political consultant Kam Kuwata, who has helped plan the convention, said the Obama campaign never intended to keep Villaraigosa off the main stage.

"I'm personally not aware that he made a request to speak," Kuwata said. "My understanding is that he has been one of the tremendous surrogates for Senator Obama."