WASHINGTON D.C.-Herman Cain's campaign has now entered its second day under the stigma of possible sexual harassment cases in Cain's past. Even so, his campaign is going forward with a full day even as the media continues to investigate certain aspects of Cain's past.
The Republican Presidential contender, who is leadiing in some polls after climbing up from political obscurity, spent the morning in Northern Virginia giving a healthcare speech before moving on to Capitol Hill later today to address the Congressional Healthcare Caucus. After that he intends to meet with Republican Lawmakers at a private club.
Even as he does so, it is sure that more information will come to light of the two sexual harassment incidences that occurred when Cain was presiding over the National Restaurant Association.
In the past day, information that the Association had paid one woman $35,000 for her silence in a harassment complaint has come to light. This new development came shortly after the Washington Post reported that Joel Bennet, the lawyer for the woman in the other incident,had news from his client. He told the Washington Post that his client would like to speak publicly about the matter if the Restaurant Association would release her from the disclosure agreement. Bennet intends to file a request with the Association for that release Thursday. That woman, according to Bennet feels that Cain is not telling the truth in the matter.
In response to that news, Herman Cain stated, “I can’t answer that now because there are legal implications.”
Since the stories broke on Sunday, Cain’s responses have slowly been altered. Initially the former Godfather Pizza CEO labeled reports from politico as false. Later, he admitted that there had been allegations, but they too were false. Later again, he stated he didn’t know if monies were paid in order to settle the complaints. He then told the press that there had been in depth investigations, but he knew nothing of them, other than that he was cleared. He has since acknowledged payouts. Cain says now that the payout was a severance package worth 3-6 months pay. He insists this is in line with what Association employees receive when leaving involuntarily.
This is a “Smear Campaign,” according to Cain. It remains to be seen if that is the way that GOP lawmakers see it as he mingles with them today.