As the primaries heat up, so too are endorsements. Candidates are increasingly turning to issue groups to help them make their marks. Here are the endorsements that took place today:

Sam Rohrer for U.S. Senate: Pentecostal Clergy Political Action Committee of Philadelphia and Vicinity

Founded in 2003, The Pentecostal Clergy is a group of African American ministers that represent over 75 churches and more than 10,000 parishioners throughout the city of Philadelphia.

“The Pentecostal Clergy are great men and women of faith and I am humbled to have their support,” stated Rohrer. “These ministers and their churches are in an area that is critical toward winning this election and I am proud to stand with them in their mission to promote faith and in their commitment to a better Pennsylvania.”

“The Pentecostal Clergy choose to support the man and not the party,” stated Bishop Goins. “Sam Rohrer is a man of God and he is the man we need for this time. On behalf of the Pentecostal Clergy, we are proud to support Sam Rohrer in his bid for the United States Senate and we stand with him in this fight.”

Tom Smith for U.S. Senate: Citizens United

The conservative organization is a pioneer for independent PAC spending, indeed responsible for the case in which the U.S. Supreme Court tossed out campaign spending limits for third parties.

“Tom Smith has a truly American story, from starting out on his family’s farm, to owning a small business that eventually employed more than 100 people,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United. “Washington needs entrepreneurs like Tom Smith in the halls of the U.S. Senate to right a ship of state that has been adrift way too long.”

“I’m honored to have the support of Citizens United Political Victory Fund, and share their conservative vision of reducing the size of government, lowering taxes, cutting spending, and promoting family values,” said Smith.  “I look forward to working with them to defeat the Obama-Casey agenda in November.”

CUPVF has also contributed $10,000 total – $5,000 each for Smith’s primary and general elections.

It’s a good investment return for Smith, who contributed $800 to Citizens United in 2010.

Tim Murphy for Congress: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is pro-business, and generally speaking would rather work with a known-quantity incumbent than a challenger, like Evan Feinberg who is seeking to wrest the GOP nomination from Murphy.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue stated his endorsement letter, “At no other time in our history has it been more critical that Members of Congress provide leadership that protects and advances of the interests of the business community.” Donohue continued, “We believe that your re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives will help produce sustained economic growth, help create more jobs, and get our country back on track”

“I’m proud to work side-by-side with the Chamber advancing policies on behalf of our nation’s job creators. As a former business owner myself, I am honored to be endorsed by the U.S. Chamber and will continue working to keep pro-business policies that promise greater economic growth and more jobs on the forefront of the legislative agenda in Congress,” Murphy said.

Larry Maggi for Congress: United Steelworkers

Maggi is a Washington County Commissioner, and unopposed in the Democratic primary in Murphy’s district. It’s a bit of a coup for Maggi, as Murphy has been front-and-center in his efforts to crack down on what he calls unfair Chinese trade practices, particularly with steel. He’s been a leader on that front in the GOP caucus.

“I am proud to accept the Steelworkers endorsement.  For working people, I offer a clear contrast with Congressman Tim Murphy.   As Washington County Commissioner, I teamed up with businesses and workers to create a climate for the private sector to thrive.  We cut spending the right way—not on the backs of seniors and the middle-class—and we kept taxes at the second lowest rate in the region.  Today, Washington is the third fastest growing county for jobs in the nation,” said Larry Maggi.

Maggi is becoming increasingly appealing to Dems in Pa. and DC, who count his as one of their top congressional recruits in the Keystone state.

Mark Mustio for State Senate: Sen. John Pippy

Sen. John Pippy announced he is retiring at the end of this term, leaving three Republicans to vie for his seat: state rep. Mark Mustio, 2011 Allegheny Executive candidate Raja, and conservative activist Sue Means. Mustio got a big boost today.

“I ask you to join me in supporting my friend Mark Mustio for the State Senate,” said Pippy.  “As a member of the State House, Mark has been a terrific partner and together we were able to achieve positive results for the people of the Pittsburgh Region.  Mark has the integrity and know-how to get the job done and is worthy of your vote on April 24th.”

Senator Pippy’s endorsement comes a few days after the Bridgeville Republican Committee in Allegheny County, the first Republican Committee to endorse in the district, endorsed the Mustio campaign.  Over the past few weeks the Mustio campaign has been picking up momentum grabbing endorsements from key local Republican leaders, such as Auditor General candidate Representative John Maher, Allegheny County Councilman Vince Gastgeb, and Bethel Park Council President Tim Moury.

“Senator Pippy is a close friend and someone who has given years of his life, through public service and military service, to the people of Pennsylvania and our country,” said Mustio. “There is no one I respect more than John Pippy. We are excited to continue to build momentum and take our message of lower taxes, less government and bringing good paying and family sustaining jobs back to the region.”