Surging In Polls, GOP Hopeful Ben Carson Arrives In Chicago For Fund-Raiser
CHICAGO (CBS) -- In a presidential race full of surprises, one of the most surprising GOP front-runners was in Chicago for his first Illinois fund-raiser today.
CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports, Dr. Ben Carson arrived with his appeal among Republicans on the rise.
"We've got great volunteers, people getting involved," he said. "It's really sort of a grass-roots campaign; that's why it kind of defies the pundits."
Supporters at his lunchtime fund-raiser praised Carson as the anti-Trump.
"He's more level-headed and pragmatic in his approach to things than Donald seems," said Patrick Pienias.
A national poll this week gave Carson his biggest boost yet: Just one percentage point behind Trump.
Many are attracted by Carson's Horatio Alger story, from inner-city poverty to world famous brain surgeon.
Mike Ditka is a fan.
"He's a humble man who I really believe, as much as anyone I've ever heard, puts America first," said Ditka.
But Carson recently took heat over his opposition to a Muslim as president.
Moreover, Carson's big strength now could be a liability later: He's never been elected to anything.
"What do we need if we're going in the wrong direction?" Carson said. "Another politician or someone with a history of solving complex problems?"