Muslim congressman asked by Obama aides to cancel Cedar Rapids trip, Ellison says in NYT

From New York Times - Muslim Voters Detect a Snub From Obama:

As Senator Barack Obama courted voters in Iowa last December, Representative Keith Ellison, the country's first Muslim congressman, stepped forward eagerly to help. ...He volunteered to speak on Mr. Obama's behalf at a mosque in Cedar Rapids, one of the nation's oldest Muslim enclaves. But before the rally could take place, aides to Mr. Obama asked Mr. Ellison to cancel the trip because it might stir controversy. ...“I will never forget the quote,” Mr. Ellison said, leaning forward in his chair as he recalled the aide's words. “He said, ‘We have a very tightly wrapped message.' ” ...

He volunteered to speak on Mr. Obama's behalf at a mosque in Cedar Rapids, one of the nation's oldest Muslim enclaves. But before the rally could take place, aides to Mr. Obama asked Mr. Ellison to cancel the trip because it might stir controversy. ...

“I will never forget the quote,” Mr. Ellison said, leaning forward in his chair as he recalled the aide's words. “He said, ‘We have a very tightly wrapped message.' ” ...