Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson said Thursday he has accepted the resignation of his finance chairman, who has recently come under scrutiny for his spending practices.
“It has been a great honor to serve alongside Dr. Carson as he seeks the office of president of the United States,” finance chairman Dean Parker said Thursday.
Earlier Thursday, Politico reported that some Carson campaign insiders have complained of “unnecessary expenses,” “hefty consulting fees to an inexperienced staff” and Parker’s “$20,000 monthly salary, which veteran campaign operatives say is unusual for what is typically an unpaid, honorary role.”
In his statement, Parker said: “While current allegations towards me are misrepresentations, my primary goal is to help Dr. Carson save our nation. I am excited about the growing momentum behind him and look forward to even greater days ahead.”
Carson, in a news release, praised Parker and said: “Dean has been a valued member of my campaign team and a trusted friend; I appreciate and honor Dean’s tireless efforts on behalf of saving America.”
The former neurosurgeon has seen a flood of campaign staffers depart in recent weeks, including his campaign manager and communications director.
Carson’s campaign chairman, Bob Dees, praised Parker in a statement but appeared to lament the attention to the campaign’s staffing changes.
“I likewise honor Dean’s contributions,” Dees said. “For the sake of the American people, we should really be discussing more important issues and Dr. Carson’s common sense solutions for America.”