Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) appointed Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) Thursday to serve as counsel to the Republican Senate leadership team.

In a statement issued by McConnell’s office, the Minority Leader lauded Hutchison’s contribution to the Senate Republican Conference and said her voice will be a welcome addition to leadership discussions. Hutchison previously served as an elected member of GOP leadership before relinquishing her position to focus on a gubernatorial run.

“Sen. Hutchison has played a critical role in our Conference since coming to the Senate,” McConnell said. “I am happy to have Sen. Hutchison serve as a member of the Senate Republican Leadership team and welcome her continued insight on issues important to American families.

In early March, Hutchison lost her bid for the GOP gubernatorial nomination to incumbent Gov. Rick Perry. Her current Senate term expires in 2012, and she intends to serve until its conclusion.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Texas) had pushed Hutchison to do so, not wanting to have to worry about defending an open seat this year in a special election.