Herman Cain allegations not a hot topic, GOP candidates say fix U.S. economy or fail like Europe

Herman Cain got a break Thursday night from fellow GOP presidential hopefuls.

They did not pursue him over sexual harassment allegations Cain continues to claim are "false." The focus of the latest GOP debate was how to fix the struggling economy.

Questions about the recent scandal surrounding Cain were expected, but what people didn't see coming was a fumble by Texas Governor Rick Perry while defending his tax plan.

It took just 20 minutes for moderators to question Cain about allegations of sexual harassment.

The crowd quickly expressed its disapproval of the questions being asked.

"The American people deserve better than someone being tried in a court of public based on unfounded accusations," Cain said.

Perry fumbled again, this time losing his train of thought while trying to defend his call for a flat tax and smaller government.

"It's three agencies gone when get there commerce, education and what's the third?," Perry asked.

"Commerce, education and um...."

You can't name the third one?" asked a panelist.

"I can't," Perry answered.

Fixing the economy was the prime focus for GOP hopefuls.

"If we don't get serious about cutting and capping our spending we'll be in the same situation Italy is in," said Governor Mitt Romney.

"We have to legalize American energy, we have to build a fence on America's southern border and get a grip on dealing with the immigration problem," said Michele Bachmann.

Despite the scandal surrounding Cain, he has remained in the lead in the polls, followed closely by Romney.