West Virginia: Oliverio Hits Mollohan on Ethics in TV Spot
State Sen. Mike Oliverio (D) is sharply questioning the ethics of Rep. Alan Mollohan (D) in a new television ad ahead of their primary next month in the 1st district.
The ad says Mollohan became wealthy while in Congress and “funneled millions of your tax dollars to his contributors and business partners.” It cites a report from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington that described Mollohan as one of Congress’ most corrupt Members.
Mollohan’s campaign denounced the ad.
“Unable to explain what he would do for the 1st Congressional district, he has chosen instead to recycle discredited allegations invented in 2006 as part of a right-wing smear campaign against Congressman Mollohan,” campaign manager Pam Van Horn said.
Mollohan, who has seldom faced opposition in the Democratic primary during his 14-term tenure, raised $363,000 in the first three months of this year and had $281,000 in his campaign account as April began. Oliverio, who announced his candidacy in late January, raised $240,000 and had $138,000 in the bank. The primary is May 11.
Former state Rep. David McKinley, former state Sen. Sarah Minear and businessman Mac Warner are among the Republicans seeking their party’s nomination.