McConnell campaign manager resigns, amid probe into Iowa bribery scandal

The reelection campaign of Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell was sent into something of a shock on Friday thanks to the sudden and somewhat unexpected announcement that Jesse Benton, who was managing his reelection and had managed Rand Pauls 2010 campaign and Ron Pauls 2008 and 2012 presidential campaign, was stepping aside with less than nine weeks to go until Election Day.

Jesse Benton, the campaign manager for U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, will resign his post as a bribery scandal from the 2012 presidential campaign threatens to envelop Benton and become a major distraction for McConnells campaign.

Benton told the Herald-Leader that he met with McConnell on Friday afternoon and offered his resignation, which McConnell reluctantly accepted.

Benton said he offered his resignation, effective Saturday, with a heavy heart.

He maintained his innocence, faulting inaccurate press accounts and unsubstantiated media rumors.

This decision breaks my heart, but I know it is the right thing for Mitch, for Kentucky and for the country, Benton said.

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In a statement provided first to the Herald-Leader, Benton said there is no more important cause for both Kentucky, my new home I have come to love, and our country than electing Mitch McConnell Majority Leader of the United States Senate.

I believe this deep in my bones, and I would never allow anything or anyone to get in the way, Benton wrote. That includes myself.

Benton said in his statement that there have been inaccurate press accounts and unsubstantiated media rumors about me and my role in past campaigns that are politically motivated, unfair and, most importantly, untrue.

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McConnell campaign manager resigns, amid probe into Iowa bribery scandal