The political action committee House Conservatives Fund endorsed former JAG officer Tom Rooney on Tuesday in the three-way Republican primary to take on Rep. Tim Mahoney (D) in the 16th district.

“Tom Rooney understands the need to change the culture here in Washington,” Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said in a statement on behalf of the group. “I am confident that Republicans will be able to reclaim this seat in November with a conservative like Tom Rooney as our nominee.”

Rooney, whose prominent Pittsburgh-based family owns the Iron City’s professional football team, will face local councilman Hal Valeche (R) and former state Rep. Gayle Harrell (R) in the Sunshine State’s Aug. 26 primary.

So far this cycle, the conservative PAC’s candidates have had limited success in winning traditional GOP strongholds such as Mahoney’s South Florida district. The group earlier this year picked Chicagoland dairy magnate Jim Oberweis (R), who lost a special election to now-Rep. Bill Foster (D- Ill.) in March to replace retiring ex-Speaker Dennis Hastert (R).

The group also endorsed former Louisiana state Rep. Woody Jenkins (R), who recently lost a special election to now-Rep. Don Cazayoux (D-La.) in retired Rep. Richard Baker’s (R) district.

Pockets Full for Posey? Cantor, Feeney Hope So

Chief Deputy Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) is hosting a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., today for state Sen. Bill Posey (R), who is running to replace retiring Rep. Dave Weldon (R).

Weldon and Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Fla.) are co-hosting the lunchtime fundraiser for Posey, who is favored to win the Sunshine State’s Aug. 26 primary.

As of April 1, the most recent filing deadline for campaign finance reports, Posey had raised about $267,000 and had $218,000 in the bank. Republicans are expected to hold the Spacecoast seat.