Team Ben Carson Touchy About Same-Sex Marriage Questions

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks to hundreds of supporters at the Inaugural Basque Fry at Corley Ranch in Gardnerville, Nev. on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Lance Iversen)
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A well-known confidante of Dr. Ben Carson said Tuesday that questions about the candidate’s views on a Kentucky clerk’s refusal to grant marriage licenses to gay couples are just “trying to create something that’s new.”

“Dr. Carson has said since the Supreme Court ruling that it is the law of land and that’s what he respects,” a highly agitated Armstrong Williams told TPM in a phone interview.

Williams, who has been described as Carson’s “media machine,” forcefully referred TPM to comments made by Carson in June.

“And guess what? We called you personally to make sure you were no longer confused,” Williams said. “If I sound so forceful for it, it’s because we are … there’s no agenda here unless you create one.”

The questions were prompted by a tweet from a Buzzfeed editor Tuesday:

Davis is the Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis who is citing her personal religious objections to granting same-sex marriage licenses in a court battle that has dragged on for weeks.

TPM reached out to the Carson campaign for elaboration on the comment tweeted by Buzzfeed, via its online submission form. When TPM did not immediately receive a response, it followed up with Williams, who called back promptly.

“It is old news,” a clearly annoyed Williams said of Carson’s marriage views. “You are trying to create something that’s new.”

When TPM asked Williams to elaborate on his involvement with the Carson campaign, Williams said it was irrelevant.

An August profile by The Hill on Williams describes him as having no official role in the campaign, but being very involved in Carson’s day-to-day decisions.

At press time, the Carson campaign had not returned TPM’s initial request.

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