November 30, 2011

Herman Cain vows to move forward with campaign

GOP presidential contender Herman Cain pressed ahead with his campaign in Ohio today, as an Atlanta businesswoman shared more details of what she said was a "very casual affair" over many years.Cain told a suburban Cincinnati audience that "my character, my reputation and my name" are being attacked to thwart his White House bid. The businessman says he's got a "groundswell of positive support."

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STORY:  Cain reassesses 

Cain said "reassessment means re-evaluation," as he showed no signs of being sidetracked by allegations from Ginger White, who stood by her story of an extramarital affair over the course of "13, 14 years" in an interview Wednesday with ABC's Good Morning America.
White explained that it was "not a consistent love affair," but one that was "a very casual affair" that occurred "off and on."

"Am I proud to admit that? No, I am not," she told ABC's George Stephanopoulos.
White said they took several trips, including one to a Las Vegas boxing match between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. And she acknowledged that she "consistently" accepted gifts and cash from Cain but it was "not sex for cash."
White said she was "disappointed" that Cain described her as a "troubled Atlanta businesswoman" and declined to say whether he should continue in the presidential race.
"You know last night I slept very well telling the truth. I'm not sure what's going on in his head right now but it's unfortunate that any of this is going on," she said.

During a conference call with supporters, Cain himself said Tuesday that the "firestorm" that's erupted since White's interview with WAGA-TV in Atlanta is a "cause for reassessment."
While that has been interpreted as sign that Cain could abandon his presidential bid, top aide Mark Block told ABC News Tuesday night that there is "no way he's dropping out."
In an e-mail to supporters, Cain acknowledged "recent events have taken a toll on me" but vowed to press on "with vigor and enthusiasm."

During his remarks in suburban Cincinnati, Cain invoked the celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and his signature phrase as he tried to explain what he meant by "reassessing" his campaign.
"As the great philosopher Emeril Lagasse said, kick it up a notch," Cain said, according to ABC News.

Associated Press

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