Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus Addresses Herman Cain's Sexual Harassment Allegations and Presidential Election Momentum

Strategic Insights -

As the 2012 presidential election heats up, the Republican National Committee is dealing with a major challenge in the form of sexual harassment allegations against GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain. In a recent interview with CNN's "American Morning," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus discussed the situation, emphasizing that the party is focused on finding a candidate who can rally behind, regardless of the outcome of Cain's scandal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RNC is committed to supporting a Republican presidential candidate, with Priebus stating that the party will have "complete unanimity" behind the eventual nominee.
  • The chairman acknowledged that the allegations against Cain are serious and must be addressed by his campaign, but emphasized that it's not the RNC's role to decide who can or cannot run for president.
  • Priebus dismissed the idea that the Ohio votes against SB 5, which limited collective bargaining rights for public unions, is a rebuke for Republicans, arguing that voters in Ohio have shown that they are against the direction the country is heading under President Obama.
  • The RNC chairman noted that on issues that matter to 2012, such as "Obamacare," the voters in Ohio showed that they are against the president's policies.
  • Priebus referenced the success of Republican governors in Wisconsin, Virginia, and Kentucky, who have all taken on strong stances on collective bargaining and have been re-elected, as evidence that the party's stance on the issue is not hurting them.

Statistics:

  • According to Priebus, almost 70% of the American public believes that the country is on the wrong track, which presents a "real great opportunity" for a Republican to be in the White House.
  • Ohio voters overwhelmingly rejected the individual mandate in "Obamacare," showing that they are against the healthcare policy proposed by President Obama.
  • In Wisconsin, voters have confirmed Republican leadership twice, and the governor has been re-elected after taking a strong stance on collective bargaining.
  • According to Priebus, the success of Republican governors in Virginia and Kentucky also indicates that voters are moving away from the president's policies.

Sources:

  • CNN "American Morning" Interview with Reince Priebus, Chairman, Republican National Committee (RNC)
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