News / Politics

Ben Carson's 3 top aides, 20 staffers resign

Friday, 01 January 2016 1:00 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 01 January 2016 1:27 AM ]

Republican presidential contender Ben Carson

Three top aides to US Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson along with some 20 other staffers have resigned, throwing the candidate’s campaign into disarray and questioning his readiness for the White House.

According to sources in the GOP candidate’s campaign, Barry Bennett, Carson's campaign manager, and Doug Watts, his communications director handed in their notice on Thursday while it is only less than five weeks before the nation's first voting in the Iowa caucuses.

*Carson's communications director Doug Watts (left) and campaign manager Barry Bennett. (Photos: AP)*

"We respect the candidate and we have enjoyed helping him go from far back in the field to top tier status...We are proud of our efforts for Dr. Carson and we wish him and his campaign the best of luck," Watts wrote in confirmation of resignation.

Sources said Bennett and Watts quit because of tensions with Armstrong Williams, a longtime friend of Carson’s and also his adviser who does not have a formal role in the campaign.

Williams is reportedly blamed for a handful of political missteps and is accused of railroading the retired neurosurgeon’s White House bid by setting up media interviews without the campaign’s knowledge.

“I’ve been in politics 30 years and don’t know anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to have your candidate go on national TV and announce they’re taking charge of the campaign,” said Bennett. “That’s the most obscure idea I've ever heard.”

This is while Williams defended himself by saying, “Right now, they’re upset and they need a scapegoat, and I’m the scapegoat.”

Bennet also said some “20 staff” in total left, among whom was deputy campaign manager Lisa Coen.

The retired neurosurgeon now places fourth in many national opinion polls after surging into the second slot behind the front-runner, real estate mogul Donald Trump, in the autumn.

With the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California, elevating national security concerns among voters, Carson has been criticized by rivals for his lack of foreign policy experience.

Back in September, Carson said Muslims are not suitable to become president, arguing that Islam is inconsistent with the US constitution.

The White House later condemned Carson’s “offensive” remarks against Muslims and Islam.

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