KERRVILLE (June 15, 2012)—Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and former state Solicitor General Ted Cruz, who are embroiled in a white-hot battle for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination, both say their records prove they are more conservative than their opponent.

The two were in Kerrville on Friday to address a Republican Women's Club.

Dewhurst said if those in the crowd liked what was happening in Texas, they should send him to Washington.

Cruz countered that he was the only true conservative in the race.

The pair is vying for the GOP nomination to replace retiring Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

They face a runoff election July 31.

Dewhurst has been lieutenant governor since 2003 and is the establishment party favorite, but tea party groups both back the younger and more-fiery Cruz across Texas and nationally.