West Virginia congressman loses Democratic primary

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Democrat Alan B. Mollohan became the first member of the House to be ousted in this spring primary season after his opponent ran a campaign that questioned the 14-term member’s ethics and support for the federal healthcare overhaul.

Mollohan conceded after unofficial returns showed that with 82% of precincts reporting, state Sen. Mike Oliverio was ahead 56% to 44%.

Mollohan, 66, was dogged by ethical questions, and the more conservative Oliverio ran an aggressive campaign portraying him as corrupt and out of touch. Conservative media rallied around Oliverio, along with anti-abortion groups angry about Mollohan’s support of healthcare overhaul.

Oliverio, 46, will face former state delegate and Republican Party chairman David McKinley in November’s general election.

In 2006, the Justice Department opened an investigation of Mollohan that is believed to have focused on the rapid growth of his personal wealth and his pattern of securing federal funds for nonprofit organizations he helped create. The investigation ended in January without comment or charges, which Mollohan considered vindication.

Oliverio, a financial advisor from Morgantown, insisted he was the Democratic Party’s best hope at securing the seat it has held for generations.

-- Associated Press