Dial 999: Herman Cain dies at 74

The businessman and one-time Republican presidential candidate, has died after a month-long battle with coronavirus. He was 74

Herman Cain speaks during an address to the 39th Conservative Political Action Committee in February, 2012. Picture: AFP

Herman Cain, a businessman and one-time Republican presidential candidate, has died after a month-long battle with coronavirus. He was 74.

Mr Cain died in an Atlanta-area hospital, where he was admitted early this month, according to Newsmax, where he had been set to launch a weekly television program.

The Navy veteran established himself in the corporate world with stints at Pillsbury and Burger King before reviving Godfather’s Pizza as its CEO.

Mr Cain then tried his hand at national politics, spicing up the 2012 race for the Republican nomination with his lively interviews and debate performances.

The African-American businessman’s signature policy was his “999” tax reform plan — a 9

Former GOP presidential candidate and Patriot Award Recipient Herman Cain at the 2015 Helping A Hero Gala in November. Picture: Getty Images

per cent income tax, a 9 per cent corporate tax, and 9 per cent sales tax. After briefly leading in the polls, Mr Cain suspended his campaign following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied. Donald Trump considered him for a position on the US Federal Reserve, before his candidacy withered under the opposition of key Republicans.

AFP