Herman Cain Impresses GOP Power Outsiders

Businessman Herman Cain may be the latest in a string of Republican presidential candidates to enjoy a bump in the national polls, but his appeal is real, even among GOP activists and party regulars in early primary and caucus states. That's the key finding of the latest Power Outsiders survey conducted by The Huffington Post and Patch.

Cain has impressed these local influential Republicans with his story of success and his advocacy of conservative issues. A surprising number believe he can beat President Barack Obama in 2012, although they are more hesitant about Cain's ability to win the Republican nomination.

The HuffPost-Patch Power Outsiders poll of political activists, party officials and officeholders in the early primary and caucus states attempts to listen in on the "invisible primary" under way among influential local activists and political insiders that has historically driven the outcome of party nomination campaigns. This week, we heard from 51 Power Outsiders in Iowa, 45 in New Hampshire and 63 in South Carolina.

As with the announced and prospective candidates tested previously, we began by asking respondents to pick just one word to describe Herman Cain. Nearly three out of four (74 percent) used a positive word to describe Cain, a slightly more favorable response than we have recorded for any of the others tested to date, including Mitt Romney, Rick Perry and Chris Christie. The most frequently used positive words were "impressive," "leader," "successful," "likeable" and "charismatic."

Only one in 10 (11 percent) used obviously negative words, such as "unqualified" or "opportunist." Slightly more (14 percent) used words that were either descriptive or ambiguous in terms of being positive or negative, such as "businessman."

While the one-word answers reveal respect for Cain's skills as a spokesman and advocate and his success as a business leader, a set of more specific questions show the local Republicans also feel a strong affinity for Cain's issue positions. Specifically, 92 percent describe Cain as someone who "takes stands on issues you agree with," and 54 percent feel that phrase describes him very well. He scores better on this question than any of the others, including Romney (80 percent agree very or somewhat well with his stands on issues), Perry (75 percent) and Christie (87 percent).

Cain also scores about as well as the other leading candidates on the question of whether he "would make a good president." Three out of four (77 percent) apply that description to Cain, a lower score than received by Romney (86 percent) and Christie (80 percent) but the same as Perry (77 percent) and far ahead of Michele Bachmann (40 percent) and Sarah Palin (47 percent).

But do the local Republican activists think Cain can win? Perhaps surprisingly, a large majority (74 percent) describe Cain as someone "who can beat Barack Obama in the general election," roughly the same number who said that about Perry (76 percent) and Christie (76 percent). Yet significantly fewer (60 percent) describe Cain as someone "who can win the Republican nomination," and just 16 percent feel strongly that he can. So while these influential local Republicans report a very positive impression of Cain, many do so with notes of caution about his experience in government and his electability.

All polls represent a momentary snapshot of opinion. Presidential nomination campaigns, especially the "invisible primary" for the support of people like the Power Outsiders, are very much an ongoing process. In recent months, we have seen other candidates such as Bachmann and Perry rise and fall in the eyes of voters nationally and the Power Outsiders in the early primary and caucus states. Herman Cain's star turn may meet a similar fate. But for now he has made an unexpectedly strong first impression on these local activists for a candidate with no prior experience in government at any level.

The HuffPost-Patch Power Outsiders

Our surveys are not a scientific random sample of any larger population but rather an effort to listen to a swath of influential, local Republican activists, party leaders and elected officials in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. All of the individuals listed below have agreed to participate in the Power Outsiders surveys, although not all responded to this week's questions. This week's interviews were conducted between Oct. 7 and 11, 2011.

Iowa

Robert Brownell (Polk County supervisor), Irene Chalmers-Neubauer (Republican precinct captain), Andy Christenson (local citizen activist), Mike St. Clair (Lobbyist), Arleigh Clemens (Co-Chair Johnson County Republicans), Creighton Cox (Local politician, council candidate), Jeremy Davis (Councilman), Tyler DeHaan (IT Services), Debra Derksen (PR person for Johnson County GOP), Paula Dierenfeld (Mayor, active Republican), Mike Elam (Organizer, Dallas County GOP), Paul Fell (Santorum supporter), Amanda Freel (State House Repub Staff), Steve Gaer (West Des Moines mayor), Natalie Ginty (Chairwoman, Iowa Federation of College Republicans), Rick Hermann (Sales Manager, WeatherTech Automotive), Libby Jacobs (former state representative), William Keettel (Former head, Johnson County Republicans), Kevin Koester (Congressman), Mary Kramer (former state senator), Marilyn Krocheski, Jon McAvoy (Head of Dallas County Republicans), Isaiah McGee (Owner, McGee strategies), Chris McLinden (Axis Human Capital, Businessman), Cynthia Michel (Precinct Captain), Mike Nolan (Republican Party noteable), Jim Sandager (West Des Moines city councilman), Rick Sanders (Republican Supervisor), Charles Schneider (West Des Moines city councilman), Chad Steenhoek (Member, Strong America Now), Wade Steenhoek (Ankeny City Council), Ronald Stenstrom (Romney Supporter), Karen Svede (Former statewide candidate), Rob Taylor (Running for Iowa House Seat), Deb Thornton (Worked in Republican administrations), Robert Wennerholm (Precinct Captain), Eric Woolson (Republican strategist), Randy Yontz (Director Leadership Institute)

New Hampshire

Eric Anderson (Former State Rep/Chair Bow Board of Selectmen), Gary Azarian (State Rep.), David Bates (Rep- Windham), Kathy Benuck (BCTV Host/Blogger), D.J. Bettencourt (State Rep., Maj. Leader), Diane Bitter (Rye Republican activist), Travis Blais (Windham GOP Chair), Bill Boyd (Town Councilor), Bruce Breton (Selectman), Russell Bridle (Former Hampton Fire Department captain/State Rep.), Ed Brooks (Former ME selectman, town councilor), Chris Buck (Republican activist), Chris Buda (Merrimack GOP Chair), Jamie Burnett (Consultant), John Cebrowski (State Rep. - Bedford), Chris Christiansen (State Rep), Mark Cookson (Alderman-at-large), Tim Copeland (State rep.), Jim Costello (American Government teacher), Juanita Dangel (Secretary Hillsborough County GOP), Gary Daniels (State Rep), Ed Declercq (Planning Board), Jerry Delemus (Republican activist), Shari Demers (Activist), Julie DiCarlo (Small business owner), Ron DiCarlo (Small business owner), Bob Duffy (Nashua GOP City Committee), Bob Elliott (State Rep.), Gary Ellmer (Chairman, Porsmouth Republican Committee), Frank Ferraro (Exeter Selectman), Laura Foote (Activist), Mauri Foster (Retired), Sheila Francoeur (Seacoast Republican Women member), Michael Gallagher (Nashua Republican City Committee, running for Alderman), Bianca Garcia (Former Salem GOP Victory Office mgr), David Garcia (Salem Town GOP Chair), John Graham (State Rep. - Bedford), Brian Griset (Member of local political committee), Lisa Hansen (Romney supporter), Peter Hansen (State Rep), Pat Hargreaves (Selectman), Jeff Hatch (Salem Romney Town Chair), Ken Hawkins (State Rep - Bedford), Dan St. Hilaire (Executive councilor), Dick Hinch (Current State Rep), Jennifer Horn (Republican activist), David Hurst (New Hampshire Young Republicans chairman), Zac Johnson (Technical writer), Ken Jones (Member of Amherst Republicans), Gary Krupp (Member of the School Budget Committee), Michael Lambert (Resident), Steve Landry (Small business owner), Tom Linehan (GOP Activist), Eduardo Lopez-Reyes (Software engineer), Marie Lopez-Reyes (Sales), Di Lothrop (Nashua GOP City Committee), Stephen E. Ludwick (Chairman, Supervisors of the Checklist, Ward 9), Jim Luther (State Senator), John Lyons (Lawyer), Kris MacNeil (Former State Senate candidate), Joel Maiola (Former Judd Gregg Chief of Staff), Andrew Manuse (State Rep - Derry), George Markwell (School Board Member), Harry McClard (Freelance writer), Patrick McDougall (Budget Committee), Charles McMahon (Rep- Windham), Bill Modis (Vice Chair of Amherst Republicans), Maureen Mooney (Past State Rep), Keith Murphy (State Rep - Bedford), Tasha Olsen (Republican activist), Rick Paige (Loan officer), Michele Peckham (State Rep. (N. Hampton)), Amy Perkins (State Rep. (Seabrook)), Lawrence Perkins (State Rep. (Seabrook)), Kathryn Peterson (community activist), Lenette Peterson (State Rep), Pam Price (former state rep), Lee Quandt (State rep.), Matt Quandt (Exeter Selectman/State Rep.), Tom Rath (Consultant), Fred Rice (State Rep. (Hampton)), Jim Rubens (Former Republican State Sen.), Pete Silva (Rep - Nashua), William Smith (Conservative Blogger), Brandon Stauber (Small business owner/recent Exeter transplant), Kathy Stroud (State Rep), Chris Tremblay (Activist), Pam Tucker (Deputy House Speaker), Mark Vincent (Chair of Amherst Republicans), Jim Waddell (State Rep. (Hampton)), Tom Walker (Conservative Republican), Robert Washburn (Former City Councilor), Kevin Waterhouse (Rep- Windham), Raymond White (State Sen. - Bedford), Alan Williams (North Hampton resident, former Exeter selectman), J. Christopher Williams (Pres. Nashua CC), Tony Zore (Tea Party member)

South Carolina

Aubry Alexander (Charleston City Council - District 9), Thomas Alexander (State Senator), Dean Allen (Tea Party Activist), Charm Altman (President Sea Island Republican Women), Patrick L. Arnold (Campaign and fundraising consultant), Todd Atwater (S.C. Rep. Dist. 87), Rep. Nathan Ballentine (SC House Dist. 71), Bob Barnwell (Richland Co. GOP Spring Valley), Joseph Bates, Jr. (Committeeman/ Richland Co. GOP Dutch Fork), Eric Bedingfield (State Rep/Congressional Staffer), Lin Bennett (Chair, Charleston County GOP), Rich Bolen (Chair, Lexington County GOP), Andrew Boucher (Business consultant and political advisor), Phillip Bowers (Chairman, Pickens County Republican Party), Dan Bracken (President/ The Auction Co. & Real Estate Inc.), Edward Britt (Engineer), Joe Bustos (Former town councilman), Jay Byars (Dorchester County councilman), Bob Call (Berkeley County Councilman), Tim Callanan (Berkeley County GOP Chairman), Mike Campbell (Son of former Gov. Carroll Campbell; co-chairman of Huntsman's S.C. effort), Ed Carter (Small business owner), M. Todd Cullum (Lexington County Council member), Rep. Joe Daning (Statehouse rep.), Smokey Davis (Lexington County Council member), Carroll S. Duncan (Dorchester GOP Chair), Dana Eiser (Lowcountry 9.12 president), Linda Eiser (9/12 conservative), Linda Estep (wife of Pastor at First Baptist Church of Columbia), Scott Farmer (Richland County GOP Committeeman), Chip Felkel (Political Consultant), Will Folks (Editor, fitsnews.com; spokesman for former Gov. Mark Sanford), Leland Glen (Author), Chris Godbey (Political Consultant), Susan Grady (Republican activist), Randy Halfacre (Mayor of Lexington), Dan Hamilton (State Representative), Carla Hardee (President, Dutch Fork Chapter of the S.C. Federation of Republican Women), Larry Hargett (Dorchester County Council chairman), Val Hutchinson (Richland County Council), Johnny Jeffcoat (Town of Lexington Economic and Community Catalyst; Lexington County Council member), Jim Jerow (Georgetown GOP Chair), Debbie Jones (9.12 Board Member), Joanne Jones (Republican activist), Grayson Kelly (Fundraiser), James Kinard (Banker, Chair, Lexington County Council), Todd Kincannon (Lawyer/former executive director of SC Republican Party), Bob Kouvolo (President/ MaxPt), Mickey Lindler (Chairwoman for Republicans of Lexington and Richland Counties), Chris Mann (City Councilman), Karen Martin (Organizer/Spartanburg Tea Party), Larry Martin (State Senator), Taft Matney (Conservative Political Consultant), James Metts (Lexington County Sheriff), Matt Moore (Executive Director for SC GOP), Susan Morris (Nonprofit executive director), Mike Murphee (Charleston Tea Party chairman), Brent Nelsen (Professor of Political Science/former candidate for Supt. of Education), Don Nye (Bank employee), Allen Olson (Chairman / Columbia TEA Party), Randy Page (President,South Carolinians for Responsible Government), Gregory Pearce (Richland Co. Councilman), Kathy Perry (Charleston County Republican Women), Adam Piper (SC GOP 3rd Vice Chairman & political director for Huntsman campaign), Zach Pippin (GOP Media Consultant), Tony Pope (Insurance agent), Barbara Pulicicchio (Political activist), Rick Quinn (S.C. Rep. Dist. 69), Dennis Raines (Mayoral Candidate), Jeff Reuer (Vice Chair Goose Creek 9-12), DeLinda Ridings (SC GOP State Secretary / Huntsman campaign), Robby Robbins (Lawyer), Emily Rudolph (Sea Island Republican Women), LaDonna Ryggs (Spartanburg GOP Chair), Michael Sally (Hanahan City Councilman), Dennis Saylor (Chair, Aiken GOP), Bill Severns (Rep. for Beaufort Republican Men), Katrina Shealy (Candidate for SC Senate from Lexington), Lanneau Siegling (State Executive Committeeman), Billy Simons (Conservative activist), Garry Smith (State Rep), Bill Banning, Sr. (Vice-chair, Lexington County Council), John Steinberger (Fair Tax activist), Mary Ann Taylor (Charleston County Republican Women/Charleston County School Board), MacLain R. Mac Toole (S.C. Rep., Dist. 88), Frank Townsend (Lexington County Council member), September Wellborn (State GOP Delegate), Knox White (Mayor of Greenville), Jennifer Willis (County Councilwoman/ V.P. One Tree Hill), Henry Wilson (2011 delegate, S.C. Republican Convention), James David Woodard (Professor of Political Science, Clemson University), Cheryl Woods-Flowers (Former mayor, Republican official)

Earlier on the Huffington Post:

Comments

[Vanessa in DC]

09:23 AM on 10/25/2011

Cain is a Koch Brothers tool.....He went to work for them right after the Pizza gig as a spokes person. Can you spell Americans for Prosperity boy's & girls. Google it!!!! He will never get the nomination!!!

[Lindytindy]

10:42 AM on 10/18/2011

Another Republican looney. Who wants to electrocute illegals. Who else would he decide he wanted to electrocute if he had real power? Muslims? Occupy Wall Street protestors? Anyone who doesn't agree with him? Oh that was Hitler's method to create 'unity'.

[fgbouman]

08:29 AM on 10/13/2011

It is easy to find Cain's warts. But for all of that, his showing in the Republican Party so far is an excellent indicator of the direction that overall race relations are going in the United States. The inclusion of South Carolina in the poll is particularly important as it has often seemed to be the most racist of the southern states. While the poll may not indicate the majority opinion in the Republican party, the results may portend a Republican Party and a South where race is a less contentious issue. When that happens, the Democrats have a chance to once again prosper in the South.

[Sparkle125]

04:57 AM on 10/13/2011

Herman Cain was made president of Godfather's pizza and when Pillsbury wanted to get rid of a stagnant business, Herman and a few pals bought it. He was not a whiz bang businessman. He was a very mediocre executive, in a business with few variables. He is bigoted against Muslims, although he's trying to walk that back now, by saying the point he wanted to make was he wouldn't bring any "radical Muslims" into his administration. The man is disingenuous, and he has a propensity for sticking his foot into his mouth. I noted someone had described him as a hood ornament. Not sure what that means, but it seems apt. For someone who served on the Board of a Federal Reserve Banking District, Mr. Cain doesn't seem to know much about the federal reserve or banking. He doesn't know much about government either.

[Pete Marriott]

01:24 AM on 10/13/2011

Vote against Koch/Cain!

[Touche007]

01:04 PM on 10/12/2011

If there is so much support for Cain, why doesn't he have a true campaign organization? Where are his big money donors? Who's actually got his back? It's not the Koch brothers.

Also, Cain is the go to guy for the republicans on anything having to do with black people and race. They can count on Cain to support the republican positions/views on race in America and say it in front of several cameras and microphones.

[faunaman]

01:19 PM on 10/15/2011

And what? Now youre crying about his right to his opinions and his voice? Typical left. If you dont agree, youre wrong. Personally i think President Cain, has a certain ring to it.

[AmericanLeslie]

08:36 AM on 10/12/2011

If I had to use one word to describe my impression of Herman Cain so far, what would that word be:MENDACIOUS

[faunaman]

01:20 PM on 10/15/2011

I tend to prefer refreshing, or exhuberant.

[AmericanLeslie]

08:30 AM on 10/12/2011

And let's not overlook Herman's church's stance on the LBGT community:

...Homosexual is a chosen behavior not a discovered sexual orientation.

...A child is set up as a result of poor parenting to make them more likely to choose to become homosexual.

...A homosexual orientation is intrinsically disordered.

...Homosexual activity is immoral irrespective of the nature of the relationship or the sexual orientation of the participants.

...Homosexuals can change. Although they usually do not define how change is achieved, in practice it generally involves choosing celibacy.

...Homosexuals can convert to heterosexuality through prayer, becoming saved. and perhaps by undergoing reparative therapy.

...Same-sex marriage represents a major threat to the stability of opposite-sex marriage.

[darthofer]

08:58 AM on 10/12/2011

Correct on all the statements made!

[AmericanLeslie]

09:21 AM on 10/12/2011

I suppose...if you're living in the 13th Century as opposed to the 21st.

[faunaman]

01:21 PM on 10/15/2011

Well, as a gay man, I personally dont care. I dont need the government to accept my lifestyle. Im sorry if you do. Look for the peace and contetment from within, not from the government. Bad choice.

[AmericanLeslie]

10:48 PM on 10/16/2011

LOL...Don't be sorry for me...I'm not a gay man...I wasn't suggesting that the government accept anyone's lifestyle...I was referring to the church Cain belongs to...improve your reading comprehension skills.

[AmericanLeslie]

08:27 AM on 10/12/2011

Let's take a closer look at some of Herman Cain's "successes" that keep being touted by his admirers and the media:

* advisor to the Dole/Kemp presidential campaign in 1996 speaks volumes for me.

* His "success" as CEO of Godfather's Pizza was based on his reducing the company from 911 stores to 420, in 14-month period. (JOB TERMINATOR OR NOT JOB CREATOR)

* His "success" as an associate minister at Antioch Baptist Church North: Southern Baptist leader Richard Land chided presidential candidate Herman Cain for disregarding the constitutional rights of U.S. Muslims. He reminded Cain that as a Christian and an African American, he should have a special interest in the enforcement of the constitution in all communities, not just approving ones. OIOPS! THIS ONE'S A "2-FER" - DOESN'T PRACTICE WHAT HE PREACHES OR BELIEVE IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF OTHERS.

* His success as an Atlanta talk-show host The Herman Cain Show was featured on News Talk 750 WSB - AN AM STATION - IN A MARKET WHERE THE MAJORITY OF RADIO LISTENERS ONLY TUNE INTO FM STATIONS

[opinionhead]

06:12 PM on 10/12/2011

*His success as a civil rights dodger earned him the respect of the GOP

[faunaman]

01:24 PM on 10/15/2011

Maybe he simply doesnt view himself as a "victim" and figures being succesful and honorable is far better than complaining. Actions speak louder than words. Once again you Liberals have condemned a conservative black man based on his success. You just cant stand it huh?

[darthofer]

08:26 AM on 10/12/2011

Cain, is the only one that makes any sense, the only one with a decent plan for taxing and economic issues! Just take the time to listen and you'll see. I wasn't sold on him till I listened and realized.

[Just logic]

10:25 AM on 10/12/2011

His plans doesnt make sense. It is a invite to have one more tax on the books. Are you kidding me. And the man is a liar. So what makes you think he wouldnt change his opinion at a drop of a hat. Not to mention he thinks that the fed being audited and the 16 trillion of back door deals is no big deal. Why waste the money. Yeah this guy is perfect if you want to destroy this country. Get a clue.

[faunaman]

01:25 PM on 10/15/2011

The far left wont like having to actually pay taxes. Of course it only applies to the ones who actually work for a living.

[apiazza]

08:08 AM on 10/12/2011

Herman Cain gives the Republicans political cover with African-Americans. We all know the Conservatives don't REALLY want him to become President.

[darthofer]

08:27 AM on 10/12/2011

I'm a super Conservative and I want Cain.

[AmericanLeslie]

09:28 AM on 10/12/2011

I'd be willing to venture that most African Americans don't either.

[AmericanLeslie]

07:38 AM on 10/12/2011

"Cain has impressed these local influential Republicans with his story of success and his advocacy of conservative issues. A surprising number believe he can beat President Barack Obama in 2012, although they are more hesitant about Cain's ability to win the Republican nomination."

Duh...if they're not sure Cain can with the republican nomination, how on earth do they think he can beat President Barack Obama in 2012?"

[opinionhead]

06:18 PM on 10/12/2011

They think Cain...the majic "N@gro". 95% of blacks will reject him. The same amount that vote democrat.

[dtallwalk]

11:54 PM on 10/11/2011

Dream Dream Dream
Time to wake up now
No you can't win
You are still a bunch of losers

[Notmybrotherskeeper]

11:30 PM on 10/11/2011

Honestly speaking...and I adore MR. CAIN for all of his candor and willingness to speak out when it's not necessarily politically correct.....I'm just really a fan cause he's ablkman looking to run our country. I just think that alone is the cats meow.

[opinionhead]

06:20 PM on 10/12/2011

Who are you talking about? "Cornbread" Cain?

[FL TallMan]

11:20 PM on 10/11/2011

Regardless of what these polls seem to indicate, the GOP will not allow Cain to be its nominee, period. They are still wetting themselves over Obama in the White House, and the republican power players just won't stand for their candidate being the same ethnicity.

[Notmybrotherskeeper]

11:22 PM on 10/11/2011

Just how sure ARE you on your accusations FL.....? You do know of the existence of Pay Pal, yes?

[opinionhead]

06:22 PM on 10/12/2011

You are 100% true. He's running on his race. "Vote for me because I'm black, hate black people and can pull votes away from Obama". It sums up his reasoning.