In recent weeks, Cain has reached out to former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who has bowed out of the 2012 race, and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who has not decided on a run but has spoken positively about Cain in the past. Cain also keeps in close contact with Rep. Michele Bachmann’s political team.

As a Baptist preacher, Cain hopes to connect with Palin, a prominent social conservative, and reach out to her supporters, should she choose to stay on the sidelines.

“We are reaching out to [Palin] as we speak,” Cain says. “She is not afraid to stir the pot; she is not afraid to call it like it is. A lot of people are hoping that she runs.”

“But if she does not,” he notes, “I want her to continue to say good things about me.”