Langevin unconcerned about Hillary's DNC role

US Representative Jim Langevin isn't worried about the prominent role being afforded Hillary Clinton during the Democratic National Convention.

Langevin, who co-chaired Clinton's Rhode Island campaign, called her DNC role a symbolic victory that won't affect Barack Obama's primacy as the Democratic presidential candidate. He made the remark during this morning's taping of Newsmakers.

Rasmussen has these findings:

One third of voters nationwide (33%) agree with Barack Obama that allowing Senator Hillary Clinton’s name to also be placed in nomination at the Democratic National Convention will “help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion." But slightly more (40%) believe it will hurt party unity.

Among Democrats, 48% say the move will help on the unity front while 28% disagree. Among unaffiliated voters, 43% say the move will hurt while 27% hold the opposite view.

In response to questions about the seeming closeness of the presidential contest, Langevin offered what has become a standard response: that John McCain is more of a known quantity, and that voters are still getting to know Obama. "Potentially, race is a factor," he said. But he expressed confidence that Obama has what it takes to win in November.