Gingrich defends Cain, calls allegations ‘gossip’

{mosads}Although they are competitors for the GOP presidential nomination, Gingrich called Cain a friend.

“We’re friends; let’s just lay it on the line. I like Herman. I’m proud of Herman’s career. I’m proud of the positive attitude he brings to life,” Gingrich said.

Cain has denied any wrongdoing in the cases of two women who allegedly received financial settlements in the 1990s over sexual harassment complaints against Cain while he was head of the National Restaurant Association.

Cain and Gingrich have known each other since the early ’90s., when then-House Speaker Gingrich appointed Cain to the Kemp Commission on economic growth and tax reform, according to Cain.

The two will also engage in an exclusive one-to-one debate sponsored by the Texas Tea Party Patriots PAC on Saturday. The debate will air live on CSPAN.