Newt and Herman Cain tie for 1st in West Georgia straw poll

Two local sons tied for the most votes at last Saturday's Georgia's 3rd district GOP convention. Newt and Herman Cain -- both from Georgia -- both received 39 votes.

Previously, Cain -- a tea party favorite -- has stated that Newt and Senator Jim DeMint, who has since ruled out a run for the White House, "are the two potential candidates whom he could support for president," as National Journal put it.

Herman Cain: Newt has bought office space in Atlanta for a run; ABC: Gingrich will form an exploratory committee within two weeks (video)

In an interview with National Journal, conservative businessman and 2012 Presidential candidate Herman Cain says that Newt, a fellow Georgian, has purchased office space in Atlanta. It will, as National Journal writes, "serve as headquarters for a presidential campaign."

From the article:

Cain had previously told Hotline on Call that Gingrich and Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) are the two potential candidates whom he could support for president. But surprisingly, Cain said Gingrich entering the race will encourage -- not deter -- him from doing the same.

'Newt will help elevate the debate and the discourse,' Cain said. 'With Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain up there on that debate stage, we're gonna be bringing the red meat. I don't want to be up there against three people who are using same, old political rhetoric. That doesn't bode well for the Republican Party.'

ABC News is reporting that those close to Newt are saying within the next two weeks, he will form an exploratory committee.