{UAH} Though well-known in Baltimore, Ben Carson kept his politics to himself | Reuters

By Emily Flitter

BALTIMORE (Reuters) - For many who knew Ben Carson in Baltimore, his U.S. presidential candidacy comes as a surprise.

An unassailable local hero, a Johns Hopkins Hospital neurosurgeon, Carson put his wealth to use helping the poor. He established a scholarship program for school children and hosted a banquet each year to honor its recipients.

For American voters disdainful of gridlock in Washington, Carson's apolitical background has been a breath of fresh air, especially given his rags-to-riches success story, and it may explain why he has vaulted to the top of opinion polls.

Carson moved to Baltimore in 1977 to begin his residency at Johns Hopkins, and aside from a year at a hospital in Perth, Australia, remained in the area until he retired in 2013. He lives now in Florida.

Reginald Davis, a neurosurgeon who trained with Carson and became one of his closest friends, could not recall Carson discussing politics over dinners their families shared or during the many games of pool the two played at Carson's home.

"I worry that the political process is not his environment," Davis said. He declined to say whether he planned to vote for Carson and said it was unsettling to see his friend in the harsh glare of the national spotlight.

"I'm blown away by his notoriety," Davis said. "I still see my friend. I don't see the future leader of the world - yet."

Carson and his family lived most recently in a four-story mansion with an elevator, in a suburb north of Baltimore, surrounded by farmland and horse pastures.

Lisa Thomas, who won a scholarship through Carson's program, said Carson inspired her to become a doctor, and she eventually spent a year shadowing him while enrolled in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. 

"It was a very special honor," she said in an interview. But where his campaign was concerned, she said, "I'm not as informed about his candidacy and political views."

"There has been a lot of controversy," she added, but "having people dissect everything you say is hard - he's very brave."

Grant Grasmick, a local lumber magnate who met Carson 16 years ago while both were doing charity work, said in comments to Reuters after the Politico story appeared: "I know who the man is, I know he's genuine.

"People want to take shots and bring good people down. It's very disturbing to me." 

http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0SY01620151109

Sincerely,

Brian M. Kwesiga