What do trains, pizza, and tea parties have in common?

Herman Cain, an up-and-comer in the race for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, of course!

The last week has brought big news for the Cain campaign: Public Policy Polling reports that Cain’s support increased 8 points, putting him at 15 percent (tied with Sarah Palin) AND the campaign released its first music video (see above).

The Georgia native and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza is trailing a big name – Mitt Romney. But he’s ahead a few other pretty big names too, including Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann, Tim Pawlenty, and Ron Paul.

Which brings us to the most important question: who exactly is Herman Cain?

According to his campaign website, Cain was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia where his parents taught him that

hard work was the key to achieving their American Dreams.

Cain went on to work in business, becoming CEO of a pizza chain facing bankruptcy. In a little over a year, the company had turned around. Now “the Herminator” hosts a conservative radio show and is a frequent speaker for the Tea Party.  In his music video Cain uses his involvement with the movement to rebut claims that the Tea Party is racist.

In 2004, Cain ran for Senate in Georgia – but lost to Johnny Isakson by 26 points.

Another perusal of his campaign website finds that Cain supports deregulation of the economy and environment, ending “health care ‘deform,’” promoting “America’s moral foundation,” reducing government spending, and depoliticizing national security.

Look out for more news about Herman Cain – he spent his Memorial Day weekend in New Hampshire, one of the important early primary states for the 2012 election and will be back there for the June 13 Republican primary debate.

In the meantime – watch out, Sarah Palin. Herman Cain sees your bus and raises you a train.