Herman Cain preemptively denies allegations of 13-year affair

HERMAN Cain today preemptively denied a forthcoming accusation by a woman who is expected to say she had a 13-year affair with the Republican presidential candidate.

HERMAN Cain today preemptively denied a forthcoming accusation by a woman who is expected to say she had a 13-year affair with the Republican presidential candidate.

In an apparent effort to get ahead of the story, Mr Cain appeared on CNN, where he said woman is "someone who I know, who is an acquaintance, who I thought was a friend."

A local television station is expected to air a report on the alleged affair this evening.

During the CNN interview, Mr Cain denied having an affair but said he could not respond in more detail until he heard the charges.

"I have no idea what she's going to have to show proof," he said.

The new allegations are only the latest setback for Mr Cain, who has seen his popularity fade since reports surfaced one month ago of sexual harassment allegations dating back to his tenure as president of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s.

Although the latest report involves an alleged consensual relationship, the claims may further weaken his support among conservative Republicans concerned about social issues, including the institution of marriage.

Mr Cain has been married for 43 years. His wife, Gloria, rarely appears on the campaign trail but agreed to her first televised interview after the sexual harassment allegations broke.

"I seriously, in my soul, don't think he's that type of person," she said of the charges during the interview on FOX News Channel's On The Record with Greta Van Susteren.

She acknowledged, however, that their marriage was not perfect.

"There have been troubles ... [but] we have loved each other for 43 years," she said.