Supporters Shocked by Herman Cain's Exit

At Los Angeles Times, "Herman Cain's supporters shocked by campaign's end":

Reporting from Atlanta— Kerry Hobbs was one of the many Herman Cain supporters who absorbed the festive vibe at the candidate’s newly opened Georgia headquarters Saturday and couldn’t believe that the candidate would be showing up just to drop out.

There was bunting and barbecue and blaring pop music. A sign-up sheet for volunteers. Herman Cain golf shirts going for $50. Policy pamphlets for free. And hundreds of people who had gathered in the parking lot of this suburban Atlanta retail strip, to support their unconventional and beloved candidate despite the gaffes and the accusations that had waylaid his campaign.

“I really want him to stay in,” said Hobbs, 39, a registered nurse from Norcross, Ga., who put herself through school as a single mom. “If he’s going to lose, let him lose fairly—because the people like another person’s policies. Don’t let him lose over a character assassination.”

Also at Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Cain's reaction to allegations concerned some supporters."

And more from Pagan Temple, "The Cain Train Wreck-We Just Couldn't Keep From Watching It."