Ann Arbor native received sexual harassment settlement against GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain
A former Ann Arbor woman was identified publicly today as one of the women who received sexual harassment settlements against GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain, according to a Detroit Free Press story.
Karen Kraushaar, 55, whose maiden name is Karen Grassmuck, was identified today as one of two women who received settlements when they worked with Cain at the National Restaurant Association more than a decade ago, the newspaper reported.
![1108_Herman_Cain.JPG](http://www.annarbor.com/assets_c/2011/11/1108_Herman_Cain-thumb-150x167-93815.jpg)
Herman Cain
AP photo
As Karen Grassmuck, she received a master’s degree in journalism in the mid-1980s from the University of Michigan. She also worked at the Ann Arbor News in the 1980s, the Free Press reported.
Kraushaar now serves as a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Treasury and lives in Maryland, according to the newspaper.
Comments
BhavanaJagat
Thu, Nov 10, 2011 : 1:23 a.m.
A person who had received a sexual harassment claim settlement does not get automatically elevated to the status of an angel. The intent of the accuser is as important as the alleged action of the harasser. It is unfortunate to note that an employee of the government is trying to get involved in a political process that people use to know the candidate. This coming out from the shadows of past must be viewed with suspicion and the motives could be reasons of personal gain or opportunism. Politico has done a disservice or it is in the loop to gain its own advantage by initiating a smear campaign.
snapshot
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 5:28 p.m.
How many false police reports have been filed in Ann Arbor this past year? I thought these women were sworn to secrecy. I swear, you can't believe anybody these days.
Doug
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
And guess what Karen Kraushaar did to her next employer: charged him with sexual harassment, also. Probably looking for another "buy out".
Pablo
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
Right on, David! And...why would he have settled with persons were he innocent of such claims? Hmmm
David Briegel
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
How can you ignore the simple fact that Herman Cain has known about these women for over a decade and has lied about them while the women were sworn to secrecy? You really think the Natl Restaurant Assoc was looking to give money away to women who were lying about their leader? Silly! No sane person ever believed that the TeaPublicons could be so desperate as to support this obvious clown! But once they realized the foolishness of the sheeple they realized that they had to come forward. Some journalists actually did some investigating and found the names of these women who are now caught up in this nasty mess! And, yes, just what we need, another Clarence Thomas! NO
Doug
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
Stick to golf!
Jack
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
People pay settlements all the time for things they did not do in order to avoid publicity. Not saying he did or did not do it, only that a settlement is by no means an indicator of guilt.
Mike
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.
You can get a settlement for almost anything from a person with deep pockets; just find the right attorney..............
David Briegel
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.
You really think conservatives give away money based on falsehoods as a way of conserving money? Silly!
nicole
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:50 a.m.
The settlements prove nothing. They were out for money most likely. And why speak out now, 15 years later? You are all acting like it's true. I don't think there's good enough proof.
David Briegel
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
OK nicole, why did your hero deny any knowledge? Would you forget such a series of events?
a2umichfan
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 4:08 a.m.
Really? You think these women all claimed sexual harassment to get money from a man who was not running for president or office 15 years ago? This is not Clarence Thomas. These are not new reports. And judging by the reactions these women are mostly likely to receive from the public, it's highly unlikely that they do it for the publicity, since everyone loves to be called a money grubbing liar.
G. Orwell
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:31 a.m.
Yet another politician we cannot trust. Ron Pau. 2012. The ONLY presidential candidate that is ANTI-WAR! Democrats should love Ron Paul. Puts Nobel Prize winner, Obama, to shame.
B2Pilot
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:22 a.m.
Perfect another Bill Clinton Why can't we ever get a good decent person to run for public office the majority of politicians are snobs, crooks, or creeps.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 12:20 p.m.
treetowncartel@ "why didn't they come forward two months ago whne he wasn't polling well?" Certainly a question worth tossing out. The timing is interesting.
G. Orwell
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:32 a.m.
@B2Pilot "Why can't we ever get a good decent person to run for public office the majority of politicians are snobs, crooks, or creeps." Answer: Ron Paul
treetowncartel
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:29 a.m.
Rushing to judgment for certain, why didn't they come forward two months ago whne he wasn't polling well?
treetowncartel
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:22 a.m.
Somewhat, but it goes to another level now with the only accuser who has come public being a white woman. Her claim, even if true, wasn't actionable because as she admitted she lost her job before anything was allegedly done. He makes a nice target for a lawsuit though for those that were employed.
Peregrine
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 4:31 a.m.
Karen Kraushaar is the second accuser to allow herself to be named. Sharon Bialek was the first.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 2:16 a.m.
Clarence Thomas Deja' Vu?