Herman Cain to make "unconventional endorsement"

Herman Cain plans to make an endorsement in the GOP presidential race later this month - though he is hinting he won't be supporting a specific candidate.

The former presidential candidate said on MSNBC Friday that he would make the announcement on January 19, two days before the South Carolina primary. He said his endorsement would be "unconventional."

"I'm going to make an endorsement the Tuesday before the South Carolina primary, but let me warn you, it will be an unconventional endorsement," the former Godfather's Pizza CEO said. "Underscore the word unconventional."

Cain said he believes all of the remaining candidates in the race are "conventional," adding that his priority is helping solve problems but "putting solutions on the table." Cain announced Wednesday he is launching "Cain's Solutions Revolution" to promote his tax plan, and will embark on a bus tour to promote the initiative.

The Atlanta businessman, who suspended his campaign early last month amid allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior in the past, will be offering the keynote address at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference on January 19, where he will be making the "unconventional endorsement."

If Cain does endorse a candidate, it seems most likely to be Newt Gingrich, with whom he has a positive relationship - though he told MSNBC he is "not a member of the anybody-but-Mitt" Romney crowd.