Republican presidential hopeful Ben Carson agrees with Scott Walker, who pulled the plug on his presidential bid Monday, in saying there are too many candidates in 2016 Republican primary field.
The retired neurosurgeon, who is polling third in the race according to the most recent CNN/ORC poll, said candidates that are doing poorly in the polls and financially should get out of the race.
“We have way too many candidates and for those people who are not obviously gaining any traction, why not clear the way,” he said Tuesday. “I think that’s a very logical thing, but it’s not a thing that people are likely to listen to.”
Carson was echoing comments Walker made Monday when he ended his presidential bid.
“Today, I believe that I am being called to lead by helping to clear the field in this race so that a positive, conservative message can rise to the top of the field. With this in mind, I will suspend my campaign immediately,” Walker said at a news conference Monday.
Walker was polling at less than 1% when he decided to exit the race, but Carson said he doubts that candidates in similar situations will be quick to follow his lead.
“I think he’s a very admirable person to have taken the tact that he did,” Carson said about Walker.
Carson faced calls to drop out himself from prominent Muslim groups for comments he made over the weekend. He said Tuesday as long as he has money and support, he will continue his bid.
“My litmus test would be logic,” he said. “Obviously, if you don’t have money and you don’t have support what the heck are you doing there?”