A hint of scandal surrounding Democratic Rep. Alan Mollohan has sent Republicans scurrying to make this race competitive. Even in this largely Democratic district of northern West Virginia, a controversy surrounding allegations that Mollohan gave millions of dollars in earmarks to groups staffed by his friends and business partners may make this election one of the toughest of his 24-year congressional career. An FBI investigation is underway, but Mollohan has not been charged, and he denies any wrongdoing. Even so, the Republican Party smells blood in the water. Vice President Dick Cheney and House Speaker Dennis Hastert have both come to the district in recent months to promote Republican challenger Chris Wakim, a representative in the state Legislature.