WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney says allegations that rival Herman Cain groped a former employee are "particularly disturbing" and must be addressed.

Romney told ABC News/ Yahoo! on Tuesday that he will not judge whether Sharon Bialek's claims against Cain are true. He declined to say whether they are disqualifying.

Bialek came forward Monday to say that Cain groped her in car more than a decade ago after they'd had dinner in Washington. Cain headed the National Restaurant Association at the time and the unemployed Bialek was seeking job advice.

Cain has denied all the allegations against him. He's scheduled to answer questions at a news conference Tuesday in Phoenix.

Romney said - quote - "These are serious allegations and they're going to have to be addressed."

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