Ben Carson loses another top adviser before Iowa

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson lost another top adviser today as his campaign continues to show signs of splintering in the weeks leading up to early voting in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Campaign finance chairman Dean Parker has resigned amid increasing scrutiny over his spending habits. The campaign confirmed Parker's departure as Carson prepared for tonight's GOP primary debate in South Carolina, one of two final debates before the Feb. 1 Iowa caucus.

Parker's resignation follows that of former campaign manager Barry Bennett and former communications chief Doug Watts – members of Carson's inner circle who left the campaign after Christmas.

Parker was not immediately available for comment today when contacted by The Associated Press.

An Alabama-based entrepreneur, Parker helped Carson raise tens of millions of dollars, but he also presided over an operation known for exuberant spending, particularly for hiring consultants and in fundraising. Politico recently reported that Parker himself earned $20,000 per month.

Carson did not highlight any problems with Parker in a news statement today, instead, praising him as a "valued" aide and "trusted friend." No replacement for Parker was named.