14-Term Democrat Ousted in W.Va Primary

Long-serving West Virginia Democrat Alan Mollohan has become the first House incumbent to be ousted in this year's primaries. The 14-term congressman lost heavily to challenger Mike Oliviero, who ran a campaign attacking Mollohan's ethics, the AP reports. Oliviero, who won the support of conservative media, repeatedly called his rival "one of the most corrupt congressman."

Mollohan also took heat for not opposing the cap-and-trade bill firmly enough, and was targeted by pro-life groups for voting for health care reform. After his defeat, Mollohan said he had faced a "strong headwind" because of voter dissatisfaction and anti-incumbent sentiment. "It's true there is definitely a wave out there, a national mood and wave," he said. (More West Virginia primary stories.)