Anti-Immigration Group Drops Support for Lou Dobbs

A prominent anti-immigration group has pulled its support for a possible political bid by Lou Dobbs, saying the former CNN host has betrayed its ideals.

The Americans for Legal Immigration political action committee cited a Nov. 20 interview with Dobbs on Telemundo, during which he voiced support for a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. That's something ALIPAC strongly opposes.

Over the past few years on TV, in print and on his syndicated radio show, Dobbs has become one of the most prominent anti-illegal immigration voices in the country.

ALIPAC reportedly has yanked all its Web site promotion of a Dobbs candidacy. (There has been talk Dobbs may run for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey in 2012 or even for president.)

The Plum Line posted a statement by ALIPAC:

"Americans for Legal Immigration PAC is withdrawing support for Lou Dobbs after years including the suspension of websites calling on Dobbs to run for President due to the perceived change in Mr. Dobbs's stances on immigration issues.

"While Mr. Dobbs claims his positions have not changed, however, that is not the perception of many of our mutual supporters," said William Gheen of ALIPAC...

"Lou Dobbs has deeply offended his base of supporters and ALIPAC is going to remain loyal to those Americans who support our existing immigration laws instead of Amnesty disguised as reform."