AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is leaning on his party's old guard as he tries to secure a U.S. Senate nomination.
The mainstream Republican choice for Texas' open Senate seat is hoping to regain the air of inevitability he once enjoyed in the race to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
He may need it since tea party superstars nationwide are closing ranks around his primary opponent, Ted Cruz.
They square off next Tuesday in a runoff election.
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs endorsed Dewhurst on Thursday. He also is being supported by Gov. Rick Perry and most of the Texas GOP establishment.
Perry will even campaign with Dewhurst on Monday. Cruz, meanwhile, has two major tea parties rallies scheduled, including an event with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.