So Who Benefits?

[Progressive]

From Herman Cain dropping out? I say Gingrich, Bachmann, Perry.

[Zarn]

Paul will gain a few and so will Romney.

Bachmann, Newt, Santorum... all stand a chance at the lion's share... likely Bachmann.

[California8429]

Gingrich, some may go to Bachmann.

Possibly a few to Paul or Romney.

I don't really think Perry or Santorum pick up any (maybe if Santorum becomes a player) unless they really absolutely hate both Gingrich and Bachmann...and Gingrich has approvals in the 70s or 80s with Cain supporters.

[Averroës Nix]

This might be the impetus for a Bachmann renaissance.

Obviously, Gingrich stands a chance of consolidating support, assuming his candidacy has more resilience than previous frontrunners.

It also seemed like Cain had picked up support from some anti-establishment Tea Party types who previously were in the Paul camp, so maybe Paul will start polling in the low double-digits again.

Does anyone have a sense for how this will play in the early primary states specifically? My guess is that it helps Bachmann and Paul more in Iowa and Gingrich more in Florida and South Carolina.

Also, once the dust has settled from Cain's withdrawal, the somewhat coverage-starved Perry and Huntsman campaigns might move into the media's focus again.

[CLARENCE 2015!]

Polls show Gingrich is 2nd choice for most Cain supporters, so him

[Bull Moose Base]

Polls show Gingrich is 2nd choice for most Cain supporters, so him

Yes and by a significant margin.  PPP measured Cain supporters attitudes on Romney and Newt and Newt's net favorability was 73 points higher than Romney.  In the short term, Cain's drop out will give Newt a big bounce. Unless Cain endorses Romney it probably scrambles that.  The upcoming barrage of attacks on Newt are probably more likely to scare Newt supporters who were before scared off of Perry and Cain.

But people who were still supporting Cain at this point presumably have a strong capacity for either believing comical denials or are indifferent to personal life issues so I think Newt is more likely to pick them up and keep them.

[All Along The Watchtower]

Huntsman

[Penelope]

Bachmann, she's the most similar to the now crashed Cain Train's base.

EDIT: Ofcourse, Gingrich is going to gain a lot without saying. Less vote splitting, etc.