Huckabee Playing for Cain and Pawlenty

Double Duty: Mike Huckabee played hard in the Republican Party of Iowa's Straw Poll in 2007 where he finished 2nd to Mitt Romney. It looks like he will be playing again. Music. And he isn't just picking one candidate's tent. So far we know he's helping out both Herman Cain and Tim Pawlenty.

First, here's the release from Cain:

(Ames, IA)- Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain today announced the entertainment for his booth at the Ames straw poll festivities on Saturday, August 13, 2011.

Cain will join Governor Mike Huckabee at noon at the Friends of Herman Cain tent to share their musical talents with straw poll attendees.

"I am honored to have the Governor join me on stage for this historic event," Cain said. "We share many commonalities, including the deepness of our Christian faith and our love of music," Cain said. "I am humbled by his graciousness to share his musical gifts with me and I hope Iowa voters will enjoy the show."

Both Cain and Governor Huckabee are supporters of the Fair Tax and both are Baptist ministers. Cain appeared on "Huckabee" on Saturday, May 28, 2011 on the FOX News Channel. He will appear on "Huckabee" again following the straw poll Saturday.

Straw poll goers will also enjoy fresh slices of pizza from Godfather's Pizza. Cain served as the President and CEO of Godfather's Pizza and, after a dramatic financial turnaround of the company, led his management team in a buyout of the restaurant chain.

"Godfather's is a true American success story. With the right leadership, we were able to take the company from the brink of bankruptcy to profitability in just 14 months," Cain said. "With 116 locations in Iowa alone, Iowans have come to know and love Godfather's as an institution in the state."

"While many candidates will bring in outside entertainment and food, I have chosen to create a personal experience for straw poll goers," Cain said. "Both music and Godfather's have been essential components in the achievement of my American Dream, and I am honored to share them with thousands of friends at Ames."

Former American Idol contestant and Tea Party singer Krista Branch will also perform at the Friends of Herman Cain tent, singing her singles "I Am America," "Foreign Land," "Remember Who We Are," among others. Local Iowa bands, Kat Daddy 55 and One Way Quartet will also perform.

And here is the tweet from Pawlenty advisor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders:

SarahHuckabeeSarah Huckabee

by GovMikeHuckabee

My dad @govmikehuckabee will be playing with Sonicflood and the Nadas @timpawlenty's tent at the Ames Straw Poll on Sat! Very excited!

Cain's Campaign Turnover

Cain Counters: Herman Cain doesn't seem to think there's anything wrong with his presidential campaign despite recent prominent staff defections in Iowa and New Hampshire. In fact, he told reporters Sunday, "I'm just telling you that's not a story." Cain's Iowa and New Hampshire state directors quit. So did his Republican Party of Iowa Straw Poll director and his regional director. Pretty high-profile positions in two high-profile states. And the straw poll is only about 6 weeks away. Cain said, "Turnover is a natural thing in any organization you're trying to put together, you know. Sorry to see her (Iowa director Tina Goff) leave. But I wish her luck."

Organization is huge getting people to the straw poll August 13th. So who is doing this organization for Cain? Cain said he's replaced the departures. He said, "We have already replaced them, quite frankly, almost immediately, so this is not a major hiccup to this campaign." He didn't name names. I've left a message with his national campaign asking who these replacements are, but haven't heard back yet. Cain also said he has secured an Iowa campaign headquarters but wouldn't say where it is or when it would open (before or after the straw poll?)

Before this bit of news, Cain seemed to have some mojo going, finishing 3rd in the Des Moines Register's first Iowa Poll of presidential candidates. Will he overcome the staff departures and get a top 3 finish in the straw poll? Or is that out of the question now?

Here's the raw interview with Cain:



One more Cain note...According to a tweet from the Fayette County Republican Chairman Jim Kirkpatrick, Cain canceled on the group. He tweeted this:

@TheHermanCain has cancelled on our aug 6th fayette gop summer picnic

I haven't heard back yet for the reason for the cancelation.