Palin to speak at hunters’ convention in Reno

Safari Club International, a major hunters' organization, announced that Sarah Palin will deliver the keynote speech on Jan. 29 at its convention in Reno.

The former Alaska governor and Tea Party lightning rod will speak to the pro-gun group about "her past hunting experiences and how politics affect the current state of hunting and fishing," according to the convention website. Her speech is sold out. Last year's convention drew 20,000 people, according to the organization.

Politico made the observation that, in addition to Nevada being an early presidential primary state, organizers made the announcement "less than a week after the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords."

Commenting on the Giffords shooting this week, Palin rejected the notion that heated political rhetoric or images played a role in inciting the attacker. But her remarks in an eight-minute video served more to deepen the controversy.