Carson slams GOP rivals’ ‘dirty tricks’ in Iowa

Ben Carson is accusing his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination of deceiving voters about his campaign.

{mosads}“For months, my campaign has survived the lies and dirty tricks from my opponents who profess to detest the games of the political class, but in reality are masters of it,” he said in a statement.

“Even tonight, my opponents resorted to political tricks by tweeting, texting and telling precinct captains that I had suspended my campaign — in some cases asking caucus goers to change their votes,” Carson said of Iowa’s caucuses Monday night.

“One of the reasons I got into this race was to stop these deceptive and destructive practices, and these reports have only further steeled my resolve to continue and fight for ‘We the People,’ and return control of the government back to them.”

Carson also refuted charges that his White House bid is struggling following its results in Monday night’s contest.

“I am grateful for the confidence Iowans have placed in me, as tonight we defeated three former sitting governors and two previous Iowa Caucus winners,” he said.

“Regardless of how the media has attempted to marginalize me and my campaign, I still have the highest favorability rating and have remained among the leading candidates in every major survey.”

Carson did not specify which GOP primary opponent he was referring to, but his comments followed tweets from Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), a co-chairman of Sen. Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign.

Carson looks like he is out. Iowans need to know before they vote. Most will go to Cruz, I hope. https://t.co/lW5Js50EMA

— Steve King (@SteveKingIA) February 2, 2016

#iacaucus Skipping NH & SC is the equivalent of suspending. Too bad this information won't get to all caucus goers. https://t.co/lW5Js50EMA

— Steve King (@SteveKingIA) February 2, 2016

Carson announced following the conclusion of voting that he is returning to Florida for a brief respite from campaigning.

The retired pediatric neurosurgeon took fourth in Monday evening’s contest, with 9.3 percent support in the Hawkeye State.