Texas Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison have agreed to a debate before their hotly contested Republican gubernatorial primary next spring.

Officials at KERA-TV (Channel 13) said Friday that both candidates accepted a Jan. 14 debate in North Texas. The primary is March 2.

KERA says Hutchison might ask for the debate to be reset if it conflicts with a Senate vote on health care reform.

The hourlong debate will include an audience and questions from journalists. It will be distributed to all TV and radio stations in the state.

KERA officials say they are also planning a debate for the Democratic primary.

The Associated Press