U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is in the midst of a battle with Gov. Rick Perry for Texas governor. They're the two leading Republican candidates for next year's March primary. According to a recent new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey Perry holds an 11-point lead.

On Saturday, Hutchison's communications director said she won't resign her Senate seat until the fights against the health care plan and 'cap and trade' are over.

In her prepared speech to the Texas Federation of Republican Women Convention Saturday morning, Hutchison said she plans to step down from the Senate, whether she wins the governor's race or not.

"I must put what's best for my campaign aside and do what is best for Texas. That is why I must stay in the Senate while running for the Republican nomination for governor. I cannot walk away while this fight is being fought by our fellow Republicans. I must stay and fight with them," Hutchison said.

While Hutchison admitted it may not be the best decision for her campaign for governor, she wanted to make clear that she plans to unite the Republican Party if elected governor of Texas in 2010.

"As governor, I will unite our Party with a message of lower taxes, improved education, protection of private property rights, a transportation system that works and integrity in our leaders," Hutchison said.

Texas' other senator, John Cornyn, weighed in on Hutchison's decision not to give up her seat.

"I applaud Sen. Hutchison for once again putting Texas first and remaining in the Senate this year. Her experience and leadership will be critical, as we continue to stand against the Democrats' out-of-control spending spree and government-run health care proposals," Cornyn said.

Hutchison said Saturday she hopes to govern with core Republican values if elected governor of Texas.