Mollohan primary foe leads incumbent in own poll

Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-W.Va.) is in serious trouble in his primary, according to a new poll released by state Sen. Mike Oliverio.

The poll, which was conducted by in-state pollster Orion Strategies, shows Oliverio surging to an eight-point lead on the incumbent, 41-33. A couple months ago, Mollohan led 41-31.

Oliverio raised $220,000 in the first quarter -- his first in the race -- and had $140,000 cash on hand. Mollohan, meanwhile, raised $360,000 and had $280,000 in the bank.

Mollohan faces difficult in both the primary and general election, with both Oliverio and the Republicans hoping to take advantage of his relatively meager bankroll (by incumbent standards) and some ethical troubles. 

Republicans including former state Del. David McKinley and businessman Mac Warner are fighting for their party's nomination in the conservative district, which went 57 percent for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2008.