Former state Rep. Dennis Ross, who is running to succeed Rep. Adam Putnam (R) in the 12th district, was scheduled to be feted Wednesday night by top House Republican leaders at a fundraiser at the Capitol Hill Club.

Ross, who was tapped over the summer to be included in the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns— fundraising and campaign infrastructure program, is in town this week meeting with NRCC officials and various House Republicans.

Wednesday’s fundraising event was headlined by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (Texas) and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.).

Although he clearly has the national GOP establishment on his side, the primary field is not clear for Ross, a former chairman of the Polk County Republican Executive Committee. Over the summer Polk County Commissioner Randy Wilkinson (R) announced his intention to challenge Ross for the GOP nomination.

Meanwhile, as national Republicans were celebrating one Sunshine State candidate Wednesday night, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Vice Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is scheduled to host a fundraising breakfast for a Democratic challenger in the 16th district this morning.

The event benefits St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Craft (D) who is running against freshman Rep. Tom Rooney (R).

NRCC officials on Wednesday decried the Craft fundraiser because it was also being hosted by lobbyist Robert Raben, whose client list includes ACORN and other liberal groups.