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West Virginia (01)

Outlook: Likely Democratic


This race is part of the Crystal Ball’s “Watch List” of the next 25 House races worth keeping an eye on.

November 8, 2006 Update:

Allan Mollahan(D) defeated Chris Wakim (R) with 64% of the vote.

October 1, 2006 Update:

Has the Democratic Rep. Alan Mollohan earmark scandal blown over? Or has the furor simply died down? WIth high-profile fundraising help, GOP State Rep. Chris Wakim is doing all the right things, but Mollohan won’t easily be dislodged, especially in such a Democratic-leaning year.


June 29th, 2006 Outlook:

A few months ago, no one could have guessed that this district would make its way into the top tiers of competitive House races, but new ethical clouds hanging over Democratic Rep. Alan Mollohan, the ranking member of the House Ethics committee, have put his long-running grip on this northern West Virginia district in some jeopardy.

Accusations that Mollohan sought the insertion of earmarks that improperly boosted the value of much of his family’s property back home have dogged him, and though he has always won with very solid margins in this, the most Republican district in the state, he does face credible opposition this year in GOP State Rep. Chris Wakim. Still, with four times as much cash in the bank as his Republican foe, Mollohan has the resources to fight back, and starts out as a clear favorite.

Candidates

Alan Mollohan (I) – Democrat – Total Raised: $1,252,085.73 | Total Spent: $1,171,761.63
Website

Chris Wakim (I) – Republican – Total Raised: $551,121.22 | Total Spent: $463,699.44
Website