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Matthew Huisman

Matthew Huisman is a senior in Boston University’s College of Communication studying print journalism. Originally from Austin, Texas, Matthew previously wrote for the Daily Free Press, the student newspaper at B.U. This semester, Matthew will serve as the Washington correspondent for the New Bedford Standard Times and is interning at washingtonpost.com. Matthew feels weird talking about himself in the third person and hopes people don’t think any less of him.

STORIES WRITTEN:

Gamblers betting on Frank to overturn law

WASHINGTON, April 30 – The odds may not be in his favor, but Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., has gained a valuable ally in his fight to overturn a 2006 law banning online gambling. Poker Players Alliance, a grassroots organization fighting for poker players’ rights, has put its chips on Rep. Frank’s proposal.

New Bedford teacher runs his fastest half marathon in D.C.

WASHINGTON, April 21 – As a cold wind blew, thousands of runners crowded into race corrals in front of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium for the start of the third annual National Marathon and Half Marathon. With the sun peeking over the horizon and the temperature in the low 40s, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty announced the start of the race, sending a horde of runners into the streets.

Crowded among the runners on the last Saturday in March was Adam Chale, a special-education teacher at New Bedford High School. Mr. Chale, who has competed in almost 50 road races, finished his fastest half marathon – 13.1 miles – with a time of one hour, 58 minutes and 48 seconds.

Former Rep. Joe Kennedy has $2 Million in Campaign Account

WASHINGTON, April 9 – Joseph P. Kennedy II hasn’t served in the House of Representatives since January 1999 and yet he still has more than $2 million in his campaign account, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Sens. Kennedy and Kerry question Gen. Petraeus about Iraq

WASHINGTON, April 8 – Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., told Gen. David Petraeus that after listening to his testimony Tuesday morning “it seems clear that the administration describes one Iraq, while we see another.  “The president sees an Iraq where progress in neighborhoods, villages, towns and cities across Iraq is being made. But most Americans see an Iraq in which 4 million refugees have been displaced from their homes.”

As Frank prepares marijuana bill, states make own efforts

WASHINGTON, April 1 – Proponents of U.S. Rep. Barney Frank’s proposal to legalize small amounts of marijuana are pointing to efforts in some states – including Massachusetts – to decriminalize the drug as evidence of public support for Mr. Frank’s plan. Mr. Frank, D-Newton, said Tuesday he will introduce two bills, one that would decriminalize possession of less than 100 grams – or 3.5 ounces – of marijuana and another that would grant protection to states that decide to allow medicinal use of marijuana.

Hundreds protest on fifth anniversary of Iraq War

WASHINGTON, March 19 – Armed with banners, flags and a bullhorn, several hundred people protesting the Iraq War marched through Washington Wednesday and called for President Bush to end the war that has already lasted five years.

Frank ranked 7th most powerful member of the House  

WASHINGTON, March 5 – Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) is the seventh most powerful member of the House of Representatives, according to a report released this week. Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.) were ranked second and twelfth in the Senate, respectively.

Marine Corps Band Plays 'Sweet Caroline'

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 —“Sweet Caroline” usually plays between the top and bottom of the eighth innings in Fenway Park, but Tuesday the song filled the air of the White House’s South Lawn as President George W. Bush congratulated the Boston Red Sox on their seventh World Series Championship.

Patrick stresses importance of children's insurance program

 WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick told a House hearing Tuesday that new federal rules restricting who can be covered under the federal-state children’s health insurance program could set back the state’s effort to provide coverage to children from low-income families.

Protesters call for change in immigration legislation

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12- Chants of Si se puede (Yes we can) filled the cold air in front of the Health and Human Services Department building Tuesday morning, where more than 200 protesters voiced their disapproval of current immigration legislation and their support of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

President’s Budget Would Be Terrible for New Bedford, Frank Says

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 – U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said that President Bush’s proposed $3.1 trillion budget presented Monday would have “a terrible effect on New Bedford.”

President says hello to Frank's boyfriend

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 – Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., was making a last-minute phone call to his boyfriend in the Speaker’s Lobby outside the House chamber before the State of the Union address Monday night when somebody grabbed his hand and said, “Tell him I said hello.” Frank looked up to see President Bush.

House stimulus package will help economy, Frank says

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 – Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said Tuesday that the House-passed $146 billion economic stimulus package, which would give tax rebates to most Americans, will help the declining economy.

Sen. Kennedy throws support behind Obama

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 – Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., threw his support behind Democratic residential candidate Barack Obama during a rally at American University in Washington on Monday.