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Ben Carson's finance chairman quits amid criticism

By Amy R. Connolly
Retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, seen here on January 5, is facing more challenges after his campaign finance chairman quit amid questions of his use of campaign funds. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI
Retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, seen here on January 5, is facing more challenges after his campaign finance chairman quit amid questions of his use of campaign funds. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson's campaign was struck another blow Thursday when his finance chairman quit amid questions about his use of campaign funds.

Dean Parker, who was in charge of the campaign's fundraising operation, has been criticized for unnecessary expenses and questions about whether the campaign is spending its money wisely. Parker, an entrepreneur from Mobile, Ala., oversaw the campaign's $43 million in donations between July 1 and Dec. 31.

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On Thursday, Politico reported campaign expenses that included a $145,000 payment described as "travel" to Parker's firm, Vita Capital, and that Parker received a $20,000 monthly salary for a role that is typically unpaid.

Parker, in a written statement, said the "allegations towards me are misrepresentations." The campaign did not indicate why he resigned.

"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. "Our significant fundraising success has been due, in large part, to Dean's dedication and commitment to 'We the People.' "

Parker's departure strikes another blow to Carson's campaign, still reeling after five staffers, including campaign manager Barry Bennett and communications director Doug Watts, quit on New Year's Eve.

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Carson, once a strong rival to GOP front-runner Donald Trump, has been struggling in the polls and working to bring back his numbers three weeks out from the Feb. 1 Iowa caucuses.

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