CONROE, Texas (AP) - Gov. Rick Perry says Sarah Palin is committed to campaigning for his re-election bid and that he welcomes the support of the soon-to-be-former Alaska governor.

Perry, after a luncheon speech Wednesday to a Lions Club in Conroe, told The Associated Press that he intends to complete the full four years if he's re-elected next year to a third term. Palin resigned in a surprise announcement last week before completing her first term in office.

Republican Perry already is the longest-serving Texas governor. He faces a likely tough primary fight from U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. Palin was the GOP vice presidential nominee in 2008.