Hayworth parts ways with top consultant

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R) has parted ways with consultant Jason Rose, who was acting as his spokesman, campaign manager and, at times, fundraiser.

The Scottsdale-based Rose said on Twitter Monday: "Who says jd hayworth isn't a fiscal conservative? Unresolved contract leads to rose + allyn pr terminating representation of campaign."

Rose later told the Arizona Republic that he was leaving Hayworth with "zero hard feelings" and that his abrupt departure had nothing to do with campaign fundraising.

"Around the time of the announcement, we still had not concluded our contract," Rose said. "Kind of in good faith, everyone said, 'Oh, let's just hit the pause button and get through the [Feb. 15] announcement.' The issue still hasn't been resolved. We have been compensated for some of our time, we'll be compensated for other parts of our time and now is as good a time as any to pass the baton."

Rose's departure comes as Hayworth is embroiled in controversy over remarks he made about same-sex marriage. Hayworth's new team consists of campaign manager David Payne and spokesman Sean R. McCaffrey, according to a release.