Conservative Herman Cain, talk show host and former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza tossed his hat in the ring Saturday, officially joining a growing group of candidates going after the Republican presidential nomination.

The 65 year old Cain, made his announcement in his hometown, at Atlanta’s Centennial Park, were he told Americans that they need to be reading our Constitution:

Keep reading. Don’t stop at life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

He also gave a warning to the opposition party that Republicans will retake the U.S. Senate and the presidency, just as it acquired control of the House in the 2010 Midterm Elections:

We will take them back because you and I do not want this nation to become just another mediocre nation.

The former CEO went on to stress that America needs to refocus on free-market principles.

Cain’s detractors will most certainly attempt to make political hay out of his lack of any time at all in public office.

However, according to his spokesperson, Ellen Carmichael, his lack of political experience will be a plus with many voters:

He is really not indebted to anyone and has a history of success creating jobs.

Cain’s first big test will be the Aug. 13 Ames, Iowa straw poll.

Of course, academic pinheads everywhere are already counting him as irrelevant.

Dennis Goldford, a Drake University political science professor said Saturday that Cain did not have a chance, then he hedged his bet:

You never say never in politics. Let’s say his chances are highly improbable of winning the nomination.

Carmichael says that Cain is quite aware of the stakes in Iowa:

It is imperative for us to perform well in Iowa. Coming in first is important.

On the unofficial campaign trail, Cain has already spent 22 days in Iowa and has been a part of in 33 events. In fact, he was the winner of a presidential straw poll in late March at U.S. Rep. Steve King’s Conservative Principles Conference in Des Moines.

Cain has been well-received in Iowa because of his speeches in front of conservative audiences in Iowa and because of his performance in a nationally televised Republican debate in South Carolina May 5.

He is scheduled to return in early June to Iowa and frequently after that, according to his spokesperson.

During his Saturday announcement, Herman Cain called on Americans to set goals.

The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goals. It lies in not having goals.

And, in a decision that may cause mass seppuku among the GOP Elite, the Main Stream Media, and so-called “Moderate Republicans” everywhere, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels announced early Sunday morning that his wife would not allow him to run for president.

Well…he didn’t exactly say that…but…you know.

According to Daniels, his family came first. Daniels made his announcement in an e-mail sent out just after midnight:

I was able to resolve every competing consideration but one, but that, the interests and wishes of my family, is the most important consideration of all.

The Napoleonic-sized (5’4″)Daniels is a two-term governor of Indiana, who has worked in the administrations of both George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.

Also in the clandestine e-mail, Daniels wrote:

If I have disappointed you, I will always be sorry. If you feel that this was a non-courageous or unpatriotic decision, I understand and will not attempt to persuade you otherwise. I only hope that you will accept my sincerity in the judgment I reached.

Demonstrating some of the same Pat Paulsen-like humor he demonstrated in this year’s Gridiron Club Banquet, where he appeared with Barack Obama and other Democrat politicians, Daniels concluded his announcement by writing:

Please stay in touch if you see ways in which an obscure Midwestern governor might make a constructive contribution to the rebuilding of our economy and our republic.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (yawn) is expected to announce his candidacy in Des Moines Monday.

As the Republican presidential field slowly gathers, a picture of the field of candidates is beginning to emerge.

Herman Cain joins a field, which presently includes former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson and Texas Rep. Ron Paul.

Fortunately, his supporters can’t stuff the national ballot boxes, like they do CPAC’s.

Still predicted to announce their candidacy are Former Massachusetts Governor and the author of Romneycare, Mitt Romney.  Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum are also expected to join the race.

As I wrote last week, Texas Governor Rick Perry may also be joining the field.

You even hear Chris Christie’s name being bantered about.

There’s one big name, however, far removed from the beltway who remains on the lips of the GOP Elite, the Main Stream Media, and the Democrats.

But, she isn’t talking…yet.