Herman Cain’s presidential campaign accused Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday of leaking information that Cain was accused of sexual harassment in the 1990s.
In an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report,” Cain chief of staff Mark Block demanded an apology from Perry, alleging that his campaign sparked the media firestorm about the allegations.
“The actions of the Perry campaign are despicable,” Block said. “Rick Perry and his campaign owe Herman Cain and his family an apology.”
Block added that “both the Rick Perry campaign and Politico did the wrong thing by reporting something that wasn’t true, with anonymous sources, like I said, they owe Herman Cain and his family an apology.”
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According to Block, Curt Anderson was made aware of the charges during Cain’s 2003 Senate bid. Block noted that Anderson is now a member of the Perry campaign, and accused him of leaking the story to Politico.
“In 2003, Herman Cain ran for the Senate,” Block said. “He hired a general consultant, Curt Anderson. Mr. Cain divulged the [National Restaurant Association] claims at that time to his consultant … At that point would be prepared if the issue surfaced. It did not. Approximately two weeks ago as you know, Mr. Anderson went to work for the Rick Perry campaign. What else happened about two weeks ago? Politico began this smear campaign citing anonymous sources claiming Mr. Cain acted inappropriately.”
Block stressed that Cain had never committed any form of harassment. (RELATED: AP Exclusive: Third worker claims she was harassed by Cain)
“I asked Mr. Cain directly on numerous occasions, whether anything to any of the allegations and he looked me square in the eye and said no, alright?” Block said. “Mr. Cain has never committed any sexual harassment, period. End of story.”