Free Republic

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Can you call what backers of West Virginia Democratic Rep. Alan Mollohan are doing to Republican challenger Chris Wakim "swiftboating?" Here's the evidence. The media, the ethics-challenged Mr. Mollohan and his supporters are questioning whether Mr. Wakim can justifiably call himself a Persian Gulf War veteran when he never served in that military theater. This Swiftee-reminiscent move knocked a previously surging Mr. Wakim off message, at which time deep-pocketed Swiftboat-funder Bob Perry intervened, this time on behalf of the targeted. At minimum, this is an echo of the scrutiny John Kerry's military service received in the last...

As the war rolls on in Iraq, the global war on terror has become a campaign issue for the 2006 congressional midterm elections. The issue was tested during the Democratic Primary in Connecticut held in August, political analysts report. Political newcomer Ned Lamont defeated incumbent U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, the party’s vice presidential candidate in 2000 and a presidential contender in 2004. Lamont ran as an anti-war candidate against Lieberman, who supported the President’s decision to invade Iraq. Chris Wakim, the Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District, supports President Bush’s position in Iraq and the War on Terror....

FAIRMONT — The children of three Morgantown developers pulled away tarps to reveal giant renderings of an $87-million development proposed at the site of a former coke plant Monday afternoon. The brainchild of developers Michael Vecchio, Mark Tampoya and David Rees, who make up The Water Works LLC, Volcano Island Indoor Waterpark Resort is only the first phase of a redevelopment plan for the 107-acre property on the site of the former Sharon Steel plant on the East Side of Fairmont. The children will probably be among the first to experience the 12 water slides, surf machine, water roller coaster,...

The campaign to elect Republican Chris Wakim to the First Congressional District of West Virginia filed a Federal Election Commission complaint Thursday alleging that Democrat incumbent Alan Mollohan coordinated illegally with a 527 political group. The Mollohan campaign denies the accusation, calling the complaint a "fairy tale." Federal law prohibits any coordination between campaigns and 527 organizations, which are allowed to raise and spend an unlimited amount of money to advocate for or against candidates but may not expressly say "vote for" or "vote against" a certain candidate. The complaint states that Jeffrey Burum, the principal donor to West Virginia...

Embattled Congressman Alan Mollohan, D-WV showed exactly how dire his situation has become Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, with his Federal Election Commission report showing almost $75,000 less cash-on-hand than surging challenger, Chris Wakim. The tally: Wakim: $320,341; Mollohan: $248,241. On top of his already significant advantage, Wakim will benefit from a fundraiser headlined by Senator John McCain and Congresswoman Capito, as well as the RNC’s Joint Campaign Committee which raises funds from donors across the country and has resulted in up to $75,000 to candidates in the past. Wakim said, “Between the fundraiser hosted by Senator McCain and Congresswoman Capito...

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Sept. 28 -- Nine college-age guys stood silently Thursday morning across the street from Rep. Alan B. Mollohan's (W.Va.) office, holding signs that read "Be My Cellmate" and "Man of Steal." They were trying to bring attention to allegations that the Democratic incumbent used his congressional power to get rich and reward friends. But few people were listening. "We just want some answers," says Tommy Phillips, 25, who helped organize the rather flaccid protest. There is only one way for Republicans to win in this Democratic district: convince voters that Mollohan is a crook. The lunchtime protest is...

Wakim Goes Up By a Touchdown on Debate Scorecard: Wakim 7, Mollohan 0 From U.S. Rep. Candidate Chris Wakim Release Wheeling, WV (HNN) –Over the last week, Chris Wakim accepted three more proposals for debates from organizations around the state, bringing the total number of proposals he has accepted up to seven. Chris Wakim has formally accepted proposals from WELD for a radio debate in Grant County, The Dominion Post for a debate in Morgantown, Hopeful House for a debate in Wheeling, The Steve Novotney Show for a live radio debate in Wheeling on WWVA 1170, from WTAP in Parkersburg,...

Chris Wakim is driven by many elements from his background: his education at West Point Military Academy, his service in the U.S. Army, and most importantly, his Arab American heritage. All of these elements have propelled him to a life of incredible success. At each phase of his life, however, Wakim has had to confront challenges. Whether it was leading his fellow soldiers in the Gulf War or building and managing a million-dollar investment portfolio, Wakim has responded with unquestionable success and determination. Among his most recent challenges, Wakim was asked by his state's Republican Party to represent the 3rd...

Rep. Alan Mollohan said he is preparing a detailed analysis of his real estate transactions and reviewing the information in his previous financial disclosure statements. "That process is ongoing, and the findings will be fully disclosed when it is completed," Mollohan said in a prepared statement. "Included in the package of information will be my 2005 financial disclosure statement, which would not otherwise be available until it is publicly released by the Clerk of the House on June 14. "I remain confident in the fundamental accuracy of my prior financial disclosure statements and am eager to fully respond to the...

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va., has come under fire in recent weeks for allegedly directing federal money to friends and business associates in the northern part of the state. Now it appears as though a Mollohan relative also received federal contracts worth millions. Mollohan's third cousin, Joe Jarvis, was involved in real estate for years. But in 1995, Jarvis made a slight career change, opening a company with his wife, Rosemary, called Arrey Industries. The company received three federal contracts or subcontracts between 1995 and 2000 from the U. S. Department of Energy. Now, some people, including...

West Virginia Congressman Alan Mollohan's opponent in this year's general election is "holding his feet to the fire" after reports that Mollohan's finances are under investigation and that he may have profited personally from federal funds he helped obtain for various entities.

Current Delegate Chris Wakim, R-Ohio, made it public Saturday night that he is a candidate for Congress. Those attending an Ohio County Republican Party steak fry at the Civics Club in Elm Grove were greeted by "Wakim for Congress" signs, and flyers were passed out promoting an upcoming Wakim campaign event.