GOP Targeting Mollohan for Retirement

The National Republican Congressional Committee has included U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, on an "an informal list of 17 members the NRCC believes can be convinced to step down" rather than seek re-election next year, Hotline On Call reports.

"Two Dem retirements in competitive districts have given GOPers new hopes that a wave of open seats can hand them new opportunities," the article explains. "The pressure has largely come from press releases hammering the incumbents, but the NRCC has signaled it will put at least a little money behind the effort."

Hotline reported that the spending totaled just $6,300 last month, for ad buys in three districts. Mollohan's was not among them.

Last week, the Cook Political Report added Mollohan's seat to its chart of 2010 races. While the only West Virginia race to make the chart, it was rated "likely Democratic," meaning that the seat is "not considered competitive at this point but have the potential to become engaged."

Thanks to Political Wire for relaying the item.