Former Republican party presidential hopeful Herman Cain announces he supports Newt Gingrich for president. Both men solidly back Israel.

Cain, who was forced out of the race for the GOP nomination because of allegations of sexual harassment, told a Lincoln Day dinner in Florida Saturday night, “I hereby officially and enthusiastically endorse Newt Gingrich for the president of the Unites States.”

Admitting that his endorsement was likely, he began his remarks be stating, “Surprise, Surprise.”

When Cain was in the thick of the campaign for the GOP nomination, observers suggested that the possibility of a Cain Gingrich ticket. Cain has the advantage of being black, a draw against black Americans dissatisfied with President Barack Obama, and a no-nonsense business attitude without political background, a draw for Americans fed up with professional politicians.

Gingrich and Mitt Romney are the top contenders for the nomination this summer, and both men have shared views on Israel and on fixing the American economy. Cain previously has said that the United States should keep out of Israel’s domestic affairs, which he has defined to include the right of Jews to live and build homes in Judea and Samaria.

Gingrich’s views are similar but with the declaration that “Palestinians” are an “invented people” who have no right to dictate to Jews where they may live.

Cain called Gingrich a “patriot” Saturday night and referred to him by his former title as Speaker of the House of Representatives. "Speaker Gingrich is not afraid of bold ideas, and I also know Speaker Gingrich is running for president and going through this sausage grinder and I know what the sausage grinder is all about,” said the businessman-turned-politician. “Speaker Gingrich is running because he cares about the future of the United States of America, we all do.”

Gingrich said last November, after Cain had dropped out of the race, “We’re friends; let’s just lay it on the line. I like Herman. I’m proud of Herman’s career. I’m proud of the positive attitude he brings to life.”