According to the Associated Press, Most Americans haven’t heard of Herman Cain, the former head of a chain of pizza restaurants who is considering seeking the Republican presidential nomination.”

“But in Iowa, home to the nation’s first presidential caucuses, Cain has caught the attention of conservative activists influenced by the tea party movement who aren’t bothered by candidates who have succeeded in business but have never held a public office. ‘He’s creating quite a buzz,’ said former Iowa Republican Party Chairman Richard Schwarm. ‘He is someone Iowa caucus-goers are going to take very seriously. ‘”

“Cain, 65, from suburban Atlanta, has visited Iowa several times recently and will return to Des Moines on Monday for a conservative forum. Cain likely will express views similar to other speakers, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, but he’ll offer a vastly different resume. Apart from a failed 2004 run for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, Cain hasn’t sought election to public office. Instead, he held a series of high-profile business positions that culminated with part ownership of the Godfather’s Pizza restaurants. He left the company in 1996 and among other positions has worked as host of a radio program in Atlanta, where he espoused his views against abortion and in support of a strong national defense, a smaller government and a return to the gold standard. ”