The full results are in, and it’s not what anyone expected. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va., did not just lose his bid to be re-nominated. He was squashed like a bug:
Mike Oliverio D U.S. House of Representatives – 1st District 37,504
Alan Mollohan D U.S. House of Representatives – 1st District 29,689
As I write in today’s column about Bob Bennett, this will not be a good year for anyone whom voters perceive — fairly or not — as having “gone Washington.” In the case of Mollohan, “fairly” is a mild statement of just how Washington he’d gone. His primary opponent was substantially more conservative than he is.
In a statement, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) applauded Mollohan for his service in Congress.
“For more than 25 years, Representative Alan Mollohan has been fighting to preserve West Virginia jobs, strengthen the economy and improve quality of life for the families he represents,” Van Hollen said. “Congratulations to Mike Oliverio on his victory tonight. This was a tough and spirited primary process. We are confident that West Virginia families will continue to have Democratic representation in this traditionally Democratic seat.”
There will be a competitive race later this year between State Sen. Oliverio and former GOP state Chairman David McKinley. John McCain and George W. Bush both handily carried the district in Northern West Virginia.
