Perry, Bachmann vie for Cain's votes

Republican presidential candidates are making a bid for Herman Cain's supporters, just days after the former Godfather's Pizza CEO announced he was suspending his presidential bid on Saturday.

Rick Perry updated his website to address Herman Cain's supporters following the suspension of Cain's campaign.

"Herman Cain’s appeal was that of a Washington outsider — someone not beholden to the entrenched Beltway interests, and who hasn’t spent his life cutting deals at the expense of conservative principles," reads a letter by Perry posted at his official website on Monday. "As the race goes forward, with the Iowa caucuses 32 days away, I am truly the only Washington outsider left in the race."

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) said Sunday she was discussing a potential endorsement with Cain aides, and predicted Tea Party voters would "come home" to her campaign.

"A lot of Herman Cain supporters have been calling our office and they’ve been coming over to our side," she said on CNN. "I think they see my voice will be most reflective of his."

Perry and Bachmann both indicated they hoped to get a boost from Cain ahead of the first caucus in Iowa. Cain enjoyed strong support in the state, leading with 23 percent just a few weeks ago. A drop to 8 percent of likely caucus-goers in the latest Des Moines Register poll corresponded with the sexual harassment allegations and accusations of a long-term affair that ultimately capsized his campaign.

Newt Gingrich, currently a front-runner in nationwide polls — as well as leading Iowa with 25 percent — might have already sewn up Cain's votes. Fox 5 Atlanta reported Sunday that Cain would announce his endorsement of Gingrich on Monday in New York City.

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