Fox News has reported that representative Keith Ellison (D) had a heated exchange with the Obama campaign over the exclusion of two muslim woman from seats within camera shot of one of Obama's rallys.

By Chad Pergram

An apology issued by Barack Obama to two Muslim women booted from the front lines of a public appearance by the Democratic presidential candidate last week was orchestrated by Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim ever elected to Congress.

Multiple congressional sources confirm that it was Ellison, D-Minn., who confronted Obama over the issue during a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus.

Obama called the women to apologize after two volunteers with the campaign removed the women from the stage area behind the location where Obama would be speaking. The volunteers allegedly told the women it was because they were wearing traditional Muslim scarves.

Sources told FOX News that it was Ellison who raised the issue of the alleged impropriety with Obama and provided the prospective nominee with the women’s phone numbers.

One key lawmaker who was present described the exchange between Obama and Ellison as “cordial” but “direct.”

Another source familiar with the exchange added that many members of the CBC supported Ellison and said “it was an issue that needed to be addressed.

However, congressional sources indicated that Ellison’s exchange with Obama was so intense that CBC Chairwoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., had to intervene and attempted to gavel down Ellison.  read more »