(October 31, 2007)--Karen Hughes is coming home to Texas.

The longtime aide to President Bush is one of his last remaining advisers from the close circle of Texas aides.

Most recently, she's been leading efforts to improve the U.S. image abroad.

Now, she's telling The Associated Press that she plans to resign as undersecretary of state at the end of the year and return to Texas.

That's even though she sees improving the world's view of the United States as a "long-term challenge" that will outlast her.

Bush had picked Hughes two years ago to retool the way the United States sells its policies, ideals and views overseas.

A former Texas television reporter and media adviser, Hughes' focus has been to change the way the United States engages and responds to criticism or misinformation in the Muslim world.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said she’s known Hughes for nearly two decades.

“Karen has committed herself to long hours, grueling international travel, and the worthy goal of improving our country’s image abroad,” Hutchison said.

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