116 3rd St SE
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. 20, 2023 3:02 pm1032d ago
Newly announced Republican presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley will host a town hall in Marion on Tuesday.
State Government Feb. 20, 2023 1:12 pm1032d ago
While the proposal restates existing law, county attorneys worry it could enable the AG to undermine their work
Government & Politics Feb. 17, 2023 7:46 pm1035d ago
The head of Iowa's Department of Education is stepping down next month to pursue other opportunities, the Iowa Governor’s Office announced Friday.
Government & Politics Feb. 16, 2023 3:14 pm1036d ago
U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, say they have new confidence Congress will continue efforts to lower prescription drug costs.
Photos and Videos Apr. 27, 2023 1:26 pm966d ago
Republican former Vice President Mike Pence railed against “radical gender ideology” in public schools during a rally in Cedar Rapids.
Government & Politics Feb. 15, 2023 8:13 pm1037d ago
Iowa lawmakers once again are moving forward a bill that would restrict the ability of cities to use traffic enforcement cameras along state interstates and highways.
Government & Politics Feb. 14, 2023 7:54 pm1038d ago
Representatives of Iowa’s public schools, cities, counties and assessors warn it will lead to public service cuts.
Government & Politics Feb. 14, 2023 4:59 pm1038d ago
Senate Republicans advanced Gov. Kim Reynolds’ sweeping health care bill, but removed a provision that would allow pharmacists to dispense birth control without a prescription.
Government & Politics Feb. 13, 2023 5:28 pm1039d ago
Iowa's congressional delegation joined bipartisan lawmakers from Midwestern states in a letter calling on the Biden administration to permit the sale of higher ethanol fuel blends year-round.
Government & Politics Feb. 10, 2023 3:32 pm1042d ago
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday said it is her goal to abolish state income tax by the end of her four-year term in 2026.
Government & Politics Feb. 9, 2023 2:42 pm1043d ago
Democrats will hold their 2023 odd-year party caucuses across Linn County from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Government & Politics Feb. 8, 2023 1:06 pm1044d ago
Iowa political figures on both sides of the aisle weigh in on President Joe Biden’s second State of the Union address Tuesday night.
Government & Politics Feb. 7, 2023 5:23 pm1045d ago
Back from a tour of the San Diego-Mexico border and meetings with Mexican officials, Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst on Tuesday called on Democratic President Joe Biden to crack down of the flow of fentanyl entering the United States.
Government & Politics Feb. 7, 2023 6:00 am1046d ago
Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst has invited the 24-year-old CEO of a Cedar Rapids-based popcorn company as her guest for the State of the Union.
Government & Politics Feb. 4, 2023 1:36 pm1048d 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.

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