Editor’s note: Samuel Newby, chairman of the Florida Assembly of Black Republicans, congratulated Herman Cain on his Florida Straw Poll victory in this letter.

As chairman of the Florida Assembly of Black Republicans, I want to express my sincere congratulations to you for your great and decisive victory at our Presidency 5 Straw Poll Saturday.

I have heard the comments of media and political pundits who have been attempting to discount your victory by saying that it was a "protest vote." Having talked with many of my fellow P5 delegates before and after the vote – from every corner of our state – I can assure you that this was NO protest vote! It was a genuine expression of support for your message, philosophy and your goals for our nation from every geographical area of our state – from the largest to the smallest of our 67 counties.

‘Clear message’

It is also important to note that you were the only candidate to have the entire audience on its feet numerous times cheering and grasping at your every word. My fellow delegates liked what you had to say – your clear message to deliver this country out of financial ruins as well as your knowledge on the issues we face.

What’s most important is that you laid out a plan that the delegates liked and respected. That’s why you garnered more votes than did the media’s and pundits’ so-called top tier frontrunners combined. No, this was no "protest" vote. It was a vote for you and your Platform for America and all Americans.

I also want you to know how pleased we were that you took the time to attend the National Black Chamber of Commerce meeting in Miami featuring our Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll in July. Your presence at this important gathering of African and Caribbean-American business leaders from around the nation sent a strong message that you believe in outreach and inclusion in our Party and that every vote counts—not only in Florida but throughout the nation. 

As the Assembly works to build a strong coalition of Asian, Black and Hispanic Republicans and Independents here in Florida in the months to come, you and our Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll set a great example as models of how it could and should be.  Let me know when you are going to be in the Duval County-Jacksonville area. You make all of us proud!