Topeka ? Republican Jim Ryun is turning to old friends and colleagues for help as he mounts a political comeback, traveling this week to Texas, where Gov. Rick Perry is helping Ryun raise money for his 2008 GOP primary against State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins.

The winner faces Democrat Nancy Boyda, who beat Ryun in November, after he served 10 years representing the district that covers much of eastern Kansas.

Perry is backing Ryun at a gathering in Austin at the home of Sarah and Jimmy Mansour for $500 per person. Perry wrote in an invitation letter that Ryun will support “our views in Congress.”

He said that conservative Republicans must do their part to fight back against such groups as MoveOn.org and People for the American Way.

“He has a consistent record of fiscal responsibility, supporting the president’s tax cuts and family values,” Perry wrote.

Kyle Robertson, Ryun’s campaign manager, said the former congressman and Perry are longtime friends who share a passion for running. Ryun once held the world record in the mile.

“We are encouraged that personal friends and colleagues are willing to help with the campaign,” Robertson said. “Part of preparing to run an aggressive race is undertaking extraordinary efforts to battle the liberal interests that invaded the race last time.”

With the GOP primary still 13 months out, both candidates have collected sizable contributions.

Ryun had more than $300,000 on hand as of last week, while Jenkins had more than $286,000.