West Virginia Democrat delivered federal dollars for district yet faces anti-incumbent wave

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Anti-incumbent mood challenge to veteran Democrat

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Democratic Rep. Alan Mollohan has long delivered for West Virginia by steering millions of dollars in projects.

But such earmarking has drawn scrutiny and stirred anti-Washington fervor. The powerful member of the House Appropriations Committee is now facing a tough challenge with his first contested primary since 1998.

His rival in Tuesday’s primary is state Sen. Mike Oliverio, a 46-year-old financial adviser who has criticized President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Oliverio is now gaining the support of some tea partiers in a state where GOP presidential nominee John McCain won in 2008.

Oliverio is criticizing Mollohan over past ethics allegations, even though the veteran lawmaker has not been charged with wrongdoing.