Herman Cain inches closer to presidential run
By Christian Boone
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
9:40 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Atlanta businessman and conservative activist Herman Cain announced Wednesday he was launching a presidential exploratory committee, bringing him one step closer to a bid for the GOP nomination in 2012.
"We are now going to test the waters for voter support and financial support," Cain told Fox News' Neil Cavuto Wednesday afternoon.
The former Godfather's Pizza CEO confirmed his plans to Condace Pressley, assistant program director at 750 AM and now 95.5 FM News Talk WSB, where he hosts a nightly talk show.
On that show Wednesday, he said he is considering a run for office to "make this a better world" for his three grandchildren. He said the White House needs a president "that will listen to the people first" and who is "a problem solver... that's what I've done my entire business career." He said the "American dream is under attack" by excessive legislation, regulation and taxation.
Cain, a self-acknowledged "dark horse" who has never held a political office, has proven popular with Tea Party activists who like his message of fiscal conservatism and personal responsibility. Supporters have already launched a "Draft Herman Cain" website.
No Republicans have formally announced for president, but former governors Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee are considered leading contenders.
"I'm a problem solver. That's what business people do," Cain told Cavuto. Cain made an unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate in 2004. "There are a lot of people out there ready for an unconventional candidate."
The Stage 4 colon and liver cancer survivor said he's been cancer-free for more than four years. "My body doesn't even look like it had cancer," Cain said, quoting his oncologist.
When asked if he would fund his own campaign, the former Navy mathematician said, "No. Won't have to. I'm not trying to buy myself an election."
Staff writer Ty Tagami contributed to this article.
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