Former state Treasurer Joe Malone is doing well enough in his campaign for the seat of retiring Rep. Bill Delahunt (D) that the National Republican Congressional Committee is rewarding him with recognition in its “Young Guns” program.

The NRCC program is built in tiers; candidates move up rungs of accomplishment, and Malone has made it to the bottom rung, “On the Radar,” by meeting campaign organization and fundraising goals.

Malone faces a competitive primary against state Rep. Jeff Perry, who has also been added to On the Radar. Perry has been endorsed by Sen. Scott Brown (R) and ex-Gov. Mitt Romney (R).

Democrats are still slightly favored to hold the seat, which stretches from the South Shore of Boston to Cape Cod. State Sen. Robert O’Leary and Norfolk County District Attorney Bill Keating are the leading Democratic candidates so far.