(CNN) - Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain endorsed Newt Gingrich Saturday at an event in West Palm Beach, Florida.
"I hereby officially and enthusiastically endorse Newt Gingrich for president of the United States," Cain said during a meeting of the Palm Beach County Republican Party.
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Cain cited the former House speaker's "bold ideas" as the basis for his choice, saying Gingrich wasn't afraid to propose big ideas that would benefit the nation, even if they invited the ridicule of his rivals.
"There are many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is that I know that Speaker Gingrich is a patriot," Cain said. "Speaker Gingrich is not afraid of bold ideas and I also know that Speaker Gingrich is running for president and going through this sausage grinder. I know what this sausage grinder is all about. I know that he is going through this sausage grinder because he cares about the future of the United States of America."
Appearing on CNN "Newsroom" after making his endorsement, Cain said Gingrich's platforms closely matched his own, including the 9-9-9 tax plan.
"When you find a candidate that basically is running still on the ideas and the ideologies that I was running on, along with him embracing 9-9-9, then it was a no-brainer and I thought that the timing was right," Cain said.
Gingrich said at the West Palm Beach event Saturday Cain's 9-9-9 plan would become part of the national conversation, but the candidate has not offically adopted the tax proposal as part of his platform.
While Cain enjoyed a spike in polls last fall, the impact of his endorsement is unclear. When he dropped out of the race in December, polls showed him toward the back of the pack of candidates. Asked on CNN Saturday how his endorsement would effect the race, Cain said he was more focused on guiding his remaining supporters.
"I don't care about where he stands in the polls," Cain said of Gingrich. "And whether my endorsement helps him or not, that's not the point. It's to let my supporters know that he is the closest to what I represented when I was still a candidate."
In a statement, Gingrich applauded Cain as a fellow "big ideas" candidate,
“America’s challenges are too great for mere tinkering around the edges," Gingrich said. "Just like Herman, who ran his campaign based on big ideas, I am running on bold solutions that will boost job creation, cut bureaucratic red tape, and fundamentally transform Washington."
Cain also accepted Gingrich's invitation to co-chair the former speaker's Tax Reform and Economic Growth Advisory Council, according to the release.
Cain ended his bid for the 2012 GOP nomination in early December after battling allegations of past sexual harassment. Cain attracted attention and followers for aggressively promoting his "9-9-9" tax plan, as well as for his charismatic personality and appeal among tea party activists.
Gingrich also received the backing of former presidential candidate Rick Perry after the Texas governor dropped out of the race ahead of the South Carolina primary earlier this month.
Also see:
Romney: Gingrich debates complaints like 'Goldilocks'
From CNN Politics
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From one adulterer to another.....the idea that his endorsement could be taken seriously, leaves me speechless.
So just how many offshore accounts and funds equal = time to ask questions? Could some of that be deposited in a Credit Union and do some American good? Guess it is all up to one's perspective of protecting capital or making America stronger. You decide which way Willard Mitt decided...
Adulterers of a feather, flock together
Here we go again.
Filandering womanizers gots to stick together
Of course the unfaithful Cain would endorse the unfaithful Gingrich. Birds of a feather.
Wow, one looser endorses another looser, doesn't surprise me, both have alot in common like womanizing and cheating, how teaparty patriotic!
Didnt I hear Cain say GOD told him to run for the Presidentcy,why is he endorsing someone else?
Ok, so Gingrich got the Kiss of Death.
I guess they can go "Cruise Chicks" together now.
I keep hearing talking heads and pinstriped suits saying why having all this money offshore is a normal thing to do. How many of you have funds offshore? I guess that means your just not normal...
I for one have a fine Credit Union down the street that supports a lot of local loans. Isn't that a conservative approach too?
Well thats one extra vote!
Mr Cain is seeking a cabinet position. He has no concern for the American people. Remember, he suspended his campaign because his integrity was in question. He would not have made it through the vetting process. Now he wants a position so he will endorse whomever to have power. Mr. Cain, GO AWAY!!!
Newt seems to be collecting the endorsements from all of the former "Joke candidates." Perry, Cain didn't Palin toss him an endorsement? All he needs now is Bachmans and he will have the four biggest crazies in his party all tossing their support to him.
Where is the surprise in this. If Cain wants to run for another office Georgia, it makes sense to make nice with Newt.
who cares?? His endorsement wont do anything at all for newt. GO MITT ROMENY 2012!!
Back in 1998, Newt Gingrich was all over then-President Bill Clinton for his moral weaknesses, leading the charge to impeach Clinton for getting it on with a much younger intern. After a long day of cheerleading Clinton’s crucifixion, the then-Speaker of the House went home to the comforting arms of his… mistress"
The comedy never stops.
Wow! That is broken news! Cain's support will probably put Newt........
Cain's been thinking "Why wasn't I more aggressive in attacking the media when these women began making accusations? I could have said it's appalling and disgusting that you bring these things up in a national campaign!"
herman was still the best of the bunch.
i'm surprised that the Gingrich camp would let Cain publicly endorse him... it can't be good for Gingrich
Angling for veep? Maybe they could share the interns....
If this endorsement will help Newt stick around a little longer, it will certainly help the Democrats. Go Newt.
Kiss of Death