A week before Texas Republicans head to the polls to select a Senate nominee, Gov. Rick Perry starred in a television advertisement on behalf of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who has poured millions of his personal fortune into the race.

"Texas Republicans have an important election on May the 29th.  We have a lot to be proud of.  That's why I'm proud to endorse David Dewhurst," Perry says in the 30-second TV spot. "David Dewhurst repeatedly cut spending.  David strongly opposes a state income tax.  David's the one candidate best prepared to make conservative change happen in Washington.  Don't let anyone tell you differently. Our country needs him and so does Texas."

Dewhurst is running against former Texas solicitor general Ted Cruz, former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and ESPN college football analyst Craig James for the Senate seat  occupied by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who decided to retire at the end of the term

While Dewhurst, who has worked alongside Perry since 2003, received the Texas governor's support, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has taken sides in the race and backed Cruz, even recording a "robo-call" for the Tea Party favorite.

"Hello Texas.  This is Governor Sarah Palin.  In the U.S. Senate race, I support Ted Cruz.  Ted Cruz has defended the constitution, U.S. sovereignty and over 3 million veterans, and he's endorsed by Tea Party Express.  His dad fled Cuba seeking freedom, and Ted Cruz is a conservative you can trust to stand on principles and change the way Washington does work," Palin said in the call. "I'm Sarah Palin.  Join me. Choose Cruz for Senate.

Palin, who has helped a number of underdog candidates by doling out endorsements for them, recently endorsed a little-known Nebraska senate candidate, Deb Fischer, which helped Fischer solidify the Republican nomination in the state's primary last week.