Move over, Snooki; MTV has found a new controversy magnet. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin III is calling for MTV to pull its upcoming reality series "Buckwild" from its schedule before its premiere, because he feels that it puts the state he represents in a negative light.

Also read: "The Inbetweeners" Canceled by MTV Manchin, a Democrat, told the Washington Post that he sent a letter to MTV President Stephen Friedman asking that the network "put a stop to the travesty called 'Buckwild,'" after seeing a preview for the upcoming series. "As a U.S. Senator, I am repulsed at this business venture, where some Americans are making money off of the poor decisions of our youth," Manchin's letter to MTV reads, according to the Post. "I cannot imagine that anyone who loves this country would feel proud profiting off of 'Buckwild.'"

Also read: MTV Taps Former Lifetime President Susanne Daniels as Head of Programming The screed continues, "Instead of showcasing the beauty of our people and our state, you preyed on young people, coaxed them into displaying shameful behavior — and now you are profiting from it. That is just wrong." Lest anyone brand him as a Commie, the senator told the newspaper that he's not against people turning a profit, but wondered, "Would they do this to their own children, in their own neighborhood, in their own home state?"

The show, which premieres Jan. 3, appears poised to become the Appalachian version of "Jersey Shore," which itself was criticized by some Garden State residents (not to mention at least one Italian-American group).

MTV has not yet responded to TheWrap's request for comment on Manchin's criticisms.

"Buckwild" centers on "a group of nine young, carefree and adventurous friends living in West Virginia" who "are united by the deep pride they have for small-town American life, in which they find unique ways to create their own fun." The examples of making their own fun include "transforming a dump truck into a pool party" and "building a human sling shot." What, no cousin-marryin' contests? Does the gentleman from West Virginia have a point? Watch the trailer for "Buckwild" below and share your thoughts in the comments section.

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