After receiving death threats, Herman Cain has become the first republican presidential candidate to get secret service protection.
Cain is believed to have requested protection earlier this week and today the Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and congressional leaders approved his request.
Secret Service protection is normally given to each major party's presidential nominee, but not to candidates for the nominee. However it can be provided earlier if the Department of Homeland Security approves a campaign's request.
When Barack Obama was placed under Secret Service protection in May 2007, it was the earliest ever for a presidential candidate.
Rival for the nomination, Hillary Rodham Clinton, already had a protective detail because she was a former first lady.
