Herman Cain to get Secret Service protection

November 17, 2011 6:53 PM

Herman Cain to get Secret Service protection

By Brian Montopoli

Two government officials tell CBS News that Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain has been approved for Secret Service protection.

The Secret Service would not say why the decision was made, though such protection is usually approved for candidates who have received credible threats. Cain has received threats as far back as when he was CEO of Godfather's Pizza.

The Cain campaign would not confirm that Cain had been approved for Secret Service protection.

Then-Sen. Barack Obama received Secret Service protection on May 3, 2007. Then-Sen. Hillary Clinton, who also sought the presidency in the 2008 cycle, already had Secret Service protection because he husband had recently been president; her official campaign protection began on November 29, 2007.

Cain's is the twelfth presidential candidate to be protected by the Secret Service. Among those who have gotten such protection are Rev. Jesse Jackson (starting November 23, 1987 and November 10, 1983), Pat Robertson (December 1, 1987) and Sen. Edward Kennedy (October 25,1979). Six candidates received Secret Service protection in the 1976 campaign cycle.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162- ... rotection/