Elections

SHAKE-UP: Ben Carson’s Campaign Manager, Communications Director Resign

Alex Pappas Political Reporter
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The campaign manager and communications director for Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson have both resigned with just a month left before the Iowa caucuses.

Campaign manager Barry Bennett and spokesman Doug Watts have both left the campaign, Watts confirmed to The Daily Caller.

“Barry Bennett and I have resigned from the Carson campaign effective immediately,” Watts said in an email.”We respect the candidate and we have enjoyed helping him go from far back in the field to top tier status.”

Carson released a statement Thursday afternoon saying: “As we enter a new phase of the campaign cycle, it is necessary to invigorate my campaign with a strategy that more aggressively shares my vision and world-view with the American people. I commend Barry Bennett and Doug Watts for their efforts to help me share my vision for America.”

“Carson for President is fired up about the New Year, recognizing that these positive changes will create even greater effectiveness on behalf of Dr. Carson,” stated a news release from the campaign.

Bennett, in interviews after his resignation, acknowledged in-fighting and clashing with Carson’s longtime personal friend and adviser, Armstrong Williams.

In a news release, Carson said retired Gen. Bob Dees, an adviser, would take over the leadership as campaign chairman. Ed Brookover, a senior strategist, has been tapped to replace Bennett as campaign manager.

The New Years Eve shakeup is not surprising: Speaking to the Associated Press before Christmas, Carson expressed frustration at his slide in the polls and hinted that he might make staffing changes. “Everything. Everything is on the table,” Carson told the AP. “Every single thing is on the table. I’m looking carefully.”

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