Tuesday a small tsunami occurred in the world of politics but for more than the reasons you heard reported. Alan Mollahan, a Congressional veteran of 28 years, lost his bid for reelection in of all things a Democratic primary in WV.

In 1982 and Robert Mollahan who was Allan's father retired from Congress. Robert Mollahan was first elected to Congress in 1952.

Now nepotism runs as deep as the coal seams in WV and Alan entered the family business by running for his fathers seat in Congress. The term running as just described to you was an exaggeration. Alan Mollahan who was not even a resident of WV till shortly before the election, paid his candidate registration fee and put his name on the ballot. Allan Mollahan then proceeded to not campaign or even advertise.

The loyal subjects of WV Congressional district one saw the name Mollahan and as they had for most of the last 30 years pulled the lever next to it. Alan Mollahan was elected by a landslide. At the time there were several national news articles mocking those voters as being stupid.

After campaigning hard Mr. Mollahan lost his election to a Democrat who was running against the policies of the national Democratic Party. But now In the words of the late Paul Harvey:

"Now you know the rest of the story"

Joey Porter
Vallejo CA
Barbarians at the Gates BLOG