West Virginia Republicans are lining up to challenge a longtime Democratic congressman who last year ran without opposition.

U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan has represented the First District since 1983. Although the next election isn't for 13 months, four Republicans have filed pre-candidacy papers indicating they plan to challenge him next year.

Republican officials say they expect even more potential challengers to come forward soon.

They hope dissatisfaction with the Democratic Congress will spell trouble for Mollohan.

But Concord University political scientist Jim White doubts the incumbent is in real trouble. He says only a challenger who can raise as much campaign money as Mollohan will be a credible candidate.

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