The campaign arm of House Republicans is singling out for praise the most recent challenger to Rep. Alan B. Mollohan (D-W.V.) in the 1st district.

Business executive David McKinley (R) on Dec. 29 filed “pre-candidacy” paperwork with West Virginia election officials, according to a candidate list maintained by that office. The Hill reported early Tuesday that McKinley has launched a campaign Web site.

McKinley, who heads a Wheeling-based architectural and engineering firm, said in a statement Monday that “Congress is currently out of control. We need common sense, conservative leadership in Washington to provide a check and balance.”