The man at the center of much of Ben Carson’s campaign turmoil resigned Thursday, capping weeks of departures and in-fighting inside the team for the one-time Republican front-runner.
Carson campaign finance chairman Dean Parker submitted his resignation, the Carson campaign announced.
“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,” Carson said in a statement. “Our significant fundraising success has been due, in large part, to Dean’s dedication and commitment to ‘We the People.'”
The Carson campaign has led a prolific fundraising effort, at times outpacing Republican contenders, though it spent about .70 cents for every dollar raised in during last year’s second quarter.
Politico reported Thursday on griping inside the Carson campaign over Parker’s acceptance of a $20,000 monthly fee for leading fundraising efforts and spending on consultants.
“While current allegations towards me are misrepresentations, my primary goal is to help Dr. Carson save our nation,” Parker said in a statement. “I am excited about the growing momentum behind him and look forward to even greater days ahead.”
Carson at one time was challenging Donald Trump for front-runner status, but questions about his widely praised, hardscrabble life story and a shift in the debate to foreign policy prefaced a sharp decline in Carson’s support.
That slide in the polls was punctuated on New Year’s Eve 2015, with the departure of many of his top staff.