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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Tom Barton
I am The Gazette’s deputy Des Moines bureau chief covering Iowa politics, including the Iowa Legislature and campaigns. I was born and raised in Davenport and have previously worked for papers covering local and state government and politics in Iowa and South Carolina, including Dubuque and the Quad-Cities. I’m an Iowa State graduate and a die-hard Cyclone fan. When not reporting, you can likely find me on the golf course, burning something in the kitchen and nerding out about Star Wars with Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy.
Latest Articles by Tom Barton
Government & Politics Feb. 4, 2023 1:36 pm2d ago
The national party grants waivers to South Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Georgia and Michigan to hold their presidential primaries ahead of the rest of the country.
Government & Politics Feb. 3, 2023 4:16 pm2d ago
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday named a new top general to lead the Iowa National Guard roughly two weeks after its current leader announced his retirement.
Government & Politics Feb. 2, 2023 5:37 pm3d ago
Iowans affected by crashes involving commercial truck drivers pleaded with lawmakers Thursday to abandon a bill that shields trucking companies from liability in some cases.
News Feb. 2, 2023 3:07 pm4d ago
The Linn County League of Women Voters will host a speaker Saturday morning to discuss property taxes in the state.
News Feb. 2, 2023 2:21 pm4d ago
While Republican majorities in Iowa’s Legislature are unlikely this session to mimic moves made in surrounding states easing restrictions on cannabis, supporters pushing for reforms in Iowa see growing support.
Government & Politics Feb. 1, 2023 5:00 pm4d ago
Iowa coaches would be required to receive training once every five years instead annually on how to identifying and respond to a student-athlete with a suspected concussion under House bill.
Government & Politics Feb. 1, 2023 1:33 pm5d ago
The Iowa senator said he is on the way to a full recovery and never missed a vote in the U.S. Senate since the injury.
News Jan. 31, 2023 6:03 pm5d ago
Six Iowa care facilities have been placed in receivership and are shutting their doors after the owner informed state officials they could no longer continue operations.
State Government Jan. 31, 2023 7:40 pm5d ago
Advocates say the myriad bills are harmful to LGBTQ youth; supporters say some topics should not be discussed in public schools.
Government & Politics Jan. 31, 2023 8:26 am6d ago
A subcommittee advances the bill for further discussion by the Iowa Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Government & Politics Jan. 28, 2023 5:00 am9d ago
Steering committee members vote Saturday on new chair and a proposal to establish a committee focused on winning elections.
Government & Politics Jan. 26, 2023 4:11 pm10d ago
Freight trains have been getting longer — nearly 3 miles in some cases. But railroads say it’s up to the federal -- not state -- government to decide.
Government & Politics Jan. 26, 2023 5:00 am11d ago
A rush is on in the Iowa Legislature to fix an oversight resulting from a previously passed property tax reform package that could mean potentially millions of dollars in lost revenue for some Iowa cities.
Government & Politics Jan. 24, 2023 5:41 pm12d ago
Iowa House lawmakers advanced legislation supporters say could provide a financial lifeline to Iowa’s small, rural hospitals that face closure.
Government & Politics Jan. 24, 2023 8:44 am13d ago
The House was considered the final potential stumbling block for the proposal; the bill passed both the House and Senate by early Tuesday.