GOP kingmaker: Herman Cain?

Cain will hit the road this week for a four-stop tour with Michigan Senate candidate Pete Hoekstra and for a job creation-focused event with Samuel Wurzelbacher — better known as “Joe the Plumber” — who is waging a bid for a northern Ohio-based House seat.

Cain’s emergence on the congressional trail after abandoning his White House bid in December following numerous allegations of sexual improprieties is part of an effort to leave an indelible imprint on the 2012 election and to remain in the spotlight. It’s a role similar to the one former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin embraced in 2010, when she sought to raise her profile by throwing her backing to conservative candidates she labeled “Mama Grizzlies.”

“My sense is that he really wants to continue his message. Despite the fact that he’s no longer in the presidential race, he really wants to continue talking about issues,” said Florida Republican Craig Miller, whose Senate candidacy Cain has endorsed. “He’s trying to influence the debate.”…

Each of the candidates Cain is backing has embraced the former presidential contender’s 9-9-9 tax plan — his trademark and oft-repeated proposal — and has made reforming the nation’s Tax Code a cornerstone of their campaigns. Cain spokeswoman Kathy Hoekstra — who is not related to the Michigan Senate candidate — said Cain is actively seeking out candidates who would seek to enact the 9-9-9 plan if they are elected.