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A Houston-area Republican is in the running for speaker of the Texas House. State Representative Tom Oliverson made the announcement on Wednesday that he plans to challenge two-term incumbent House Speaker Dade Phelan. Oliverson says the problem is the bipartisan nature of the House, which allows Democrats to hold committee chairmanships and tie up legislation. Oliverson's 130th District in northwest Harris County includes Cypress, Tomball, Hockley, and Waller.