There may be decent reasons for Republican senators to oppose former presidential candidate Herman Cain for a spot on the Federal Reserve board of governors, but a supposed lack of qualifications isn’t one of them. Indeed, Cain’s professional background should make him a welcome addition to the Fed.
Some Republicans may oppose Cain because of allegations against him of extramarital affairs or sexual harassment. This column sets those aside, not as irrelevant to his fitness for appointment, but as not relevant for the narrow issue of professional qualifications. Likewise, when Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, says Cain is too partisan a figure rather than an independent analyst, his point may be valid — but, again, that’s not the issue I’m discussing now.
