Herman Cain wins Florida straw poll
As observed in my post on the most recent GOP debate, both Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich are increasingly presenting the possibility of a “third way” to the nomination (i.e. neither Romney nor Perry). Herman Cain—already advantaged over Gingrich by not carrying his baggage, nor any political baggage—has received a major boost by winning this straw poll, in quite an upset with over 37% of the vote. Perry came second, far behind with 15.4%, and Romney third with 14%. Yes: it’s only a straw poll, and it’s also been suggested that Romney backers (knowing their man wouldn’t win anyway) encouraged votes for Cain to ensure Perry didn’t win. Still: it’s a dramatic and well-timed victory for the former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza: the only certifiable non-politician in the race in an election cycle when being an elected official tends to be taken by voters as meaning you are more likely to be part of the problem rather than part of the solution. Good for Mr. Cain. Now we see if he can capitalize and move to the next level.
