Congressman John Fleming just received a major endorsement that will help him polish his conservative credentials in the U.S. Senate race. The Club for Growth today just endorsed Fleming, citing his work in the House Freedom Caucus.

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Here’s the press release The Hayride just received.

The Club for Growth PAC today announced its endorsement of Congressman John Fleming for the U.S. Senate from Louisiana. The seat is currently held by David Vitter, who is retiring.

“John Fleming is a successful businessman and entrepreneur who also has a 91% lifetime Club score as a Member of Congress,” said Club for Growth President David McIntosh. “Fleming has worked in Washington for pro-growth legislation as a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus. In a crowded field of big-government Republicans and Democrats, Fleming stands out as a true economic conservative. The Club’s PAC is proud to endorse his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat from Louisiana.”

This endorsement marks the Club for Growth PAC’s eighth Senate endorsement in the 2016 cycle, and 12^thendorsement overall.

This endorsement is the heels of other endorsements of Fleming by former presidential candidate Rick Santorum, who won Louisiana’s primary in 2012, and Phyllis Schlafy. Fleming is trying to position himself to right of his two major Republican primary opponents, Congressman Charles Boustany and Treasurer John Kennedy. At the same though, Fleming is trying to fight off a spirited challenge for the Tea Party/conservative activist vote from retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness.

The Club’s endorsement, especially if it is backed up with the ability to raise money and by the Club spending money on Fleming’s behalf, could make a difference in the crowded field. The endorsement is also a blow to Maness’s argument that he’s the true conservative in the race.

Fleming’s challenge was always going to be how he can breakout of his base in north Louisiana and get traction south of the Red River. The Club may give him a way to go, particularly in more conservative places such as north Baton Rouge, Livingston, and Ascension Parishes.

UPDATE: 4/19/2016 6:08 PM: Fleming’s campaign just released this statement:

Congressman John Fleming said: “I am honored to receive the Club for Growth’s endorsement.  The Club for Growth has set itself apart through its commitment to principled free enterprise and economic conservatism.  Their endorsement is the gold standard for all candidates who believe in free markets, free enterprise, and free people.  I look forward to continuing to advance our mutually shared goals of economic freedom as Louisiana’s next United States Senator.”