Lou Dobbs to Headline Tea Party Convention

The Tea Party group "Tea Party Nation" is holding a convention in Las Vegas in July, and they've just announced their headline speaker: Former CNN anchor and talk radio host Lou Dobbs.

"I have had two great experiences with the Tea Party movement, in New Orleans and in New York at the TeaParty365 Tax Day Tea Party," Dobbs said in a statement posted to the "Tea Party Nation" Web site. "The crowds were large, boisterous and most importantly, made up of hard working Americans who want to take their country back."

Dobbs, who has drawn protests for his hard line on illegal immigration, was hailed by Tea Party Nation as "a true independent voice to Talk Radio, occupying the vital middle ground between the conservative and liberal voices that dominate much of the segment today."

Tea Party Nation describes itself as "a user-driven group of like-minded people who desire our God given Individual Freedoms which were written out by the Founding Fathers."

"We believe in Limited Government, Free Speech, the 2nd Amendment, our Military, Secure Borders and our Country!," the group says on its Web site.

Dobbs has been criticized for making statements supportive of the so-called "Birther" movement. He said last year he is considering running for public office.

Other announced speakers at the convention, held July 15th through 17th, include conservative media personalities Andrew Breitbart and Joseph Farah.

In February, the "National Tea Party Convention" was held in Nashville, with Sarah Palin as keynote speaker.