Mark Block, chief of staff for the Cain campaign, laid the blame for the leaks about the allegations about Cain squarely at the Perry campaign’s feet in an interview today.
“The actions of the Perry campaign are despicable,” Block told Fox News tonight. “Rick Perry and his campaign owe Herman Cain and his family an apology. Both the Rick Perry campaign and Politico did the wrong thing by reporting something that wasn’t true from anonymous sources. Like I said, they owe Herman Cain and his family an apology.”
Asked if he had any evidence, Block mentioned the fact that Cain had told Curt Anderson (who now works for Perry) about the accusations during his 2004 senate run. Cain accused Anderson earlier today; Anderson denied that he was.
Block reiterated that Cain was innocent. “I asked Mr. Cain directly on numerous occasions whether [there was] anything to any of these allegations and he looked me square in the eye and said no,” Block said. “Mr. Cain has never committed any sexual harassment. Period. End of story.”
In response to the allegations from Iowa radio host Steve Deace that Cain made “inappropriate” remarks to two women working for Deace, Block said, “I would challenge anybody that has these statements to be made to come forward with the person making the statements. Face Mr. Cain.”
But when given a chance to call on the National Restaurant Association to waive the confidentiality agreements, Block refused to do so. “That’s totally up to the National Restaurant Association,” he said.