AUSTIN (October 8, 2009)--Texas Republicans will select a new party leader after the departure of Chair Tina Benkiser who will serve as a senior adviser to Gov. Rick Perry.

The chairman’s position is supposed to remain neutral in primary elections, but the two leading candidates to replace Benkiser are avid Perry supporters.

Perry, the longest serving governor in history, faces a primary challenge from Republican U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Announced candidates so far include Cathie Adams, head of the conservative Eagle Forum and a member of the Republican National Committee, and GOP activist Melinda Fredericks.

Also seeking the post is El Paso native Mary-Yoly Moore.