A former staffer for presidential candidate Herman Cain is alleging that the campaign attempted to hide the work of Scott Toomey, the openly-gay treasurer of his political action committee, after Cain supporters expressed concern over his sexual orientation. Testifying in court to secure unemployment benefits, the former staffer — Kevin Hall — explained that Toomey had a history of financial scandal, but said that pressure from supporters over his sexual orientation led Cain to cover up his involvement:
HALL: A conservative candidate, Mr. Cain is on the record as stating that he believes homosexuality is a sin and a choice. And they know that, if his top adviser, his highly paid adviser, is openly gay that it would cast a negative light on Mr. Cain and would cost him in his efforts to become president. Basically the campaign was trying to cover up the fact that Mr. Toomey was still involved. They asked … me to help them cover up that fact.
The Cain campaign did not dispute the allegation in court and Hall was awarded benefits.
The supposed cover-up provides insight into the exodus of staffers from Cain’s campaign in July amid rumors of “affairs, homosexuality and professional misconduct.” Cain previously said he “wouldn’t have a problem” appointing someone gay to his cabinet. That claim now seems to be in dispute.
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