Cain struggles to extinguish sex scandal

'Someone doesn't like to see me at the top of US polls' :

US: Herman Cain conceded Tuesday that a woman who accused him of sexual harassment received a paid settlement in the 1990s, as apparent changes in his story threatened to derail his White House bid.

Countering earlier claims of ignorance, the surprise Republican contender acknowledged that one of two alleged accusers received a financial settlement from the trade association that he ran and where she was an employee. "I am not trying to hide anything. I am trying to put it all out there for people to see," the former pizza company executive told CNN affiliate HLN, restating his rejection of what he described as "ridiculous" allegations.

"I absolutely believe this is an intended smear campaign," he said, portraying the unearthing of claims from more than a decade ago as a calculated move by political opponents to end his steady rise in the opinion polls.

"Someone does not like the fact that we're doing so well in this campaign and that I'm at or near the top of the polls consistently," said Cain, who along with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is heading most surveys. AFP