December 2, 2013 11:44 AM

TWO TEXAS HOUSE FIREBRANDS ON OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM DRAW PRIMARY CHALLENGES

Riddle and Burnam will have to do battle for their seats

With the filing deadline drawing close, two Texas House members who could not be more different in their politics have drawn primary challengers as of Monday morning. Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, and Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Ft. Worth, can both look forward to fighting for their seats even though the districts they represent are drawn to ensure the general election is a cakewalk for the nominee of their respective parties.

The man who has now filed to challenge Riddle in Northwest Harris County, Tony Noun, is a Lebanese immigrant who says on his website that he got into business in 1996 in the automotive industry. He is a member of the Cherry Tree Republicans, The Greater Houston Pachyderm Club and the Downtown Pachyderm Club. He’s also a member of the Northwest Houston Chamber of Commerce as well as the Spring-Klein Chamber of Commerce.

Noun’s announcement was met with sharp criticism from Rep. Patricia Harless, a Republican who represents nearby Spring. “It's disappointing when someone that isn’t a very reputable guy files to run against you,” Harless said and asked people to donate to Riddle. There was no immediate comment from Noun’s campaign about that.

By Scott Braddock