Speaking Truth To Power

by Clara Oleson

Minnette Doderer was the political mother of the second wave
of feminism in Iowa and
defined feminist electoral politics in Iowa
for decades. She always faced tough elections because the right wing in Iowa
hated her guts. Many Democrats hated her as well for her fight for gender
equality in insurance and comparable pay, and for pointing out their
lack of commitment to women’s rights and their sexist behavior.

Doderer fought for Regents funding in a manner which puts to shame every present elected Democrat in Johnson
County. She did not take quietly any insult to women or to herself. She was tough and
aggressive.   Every speech had a zinger, a point, and a plan for action.
She believed not only in Democrats but also in democracy.

Minnette’s legislative initiatives permeate the Code of
Iowa. There is not another legislator in the last 40 years who so shaped Iowa
law for women and children. Her programs saved thousands of lives.
In the current jargon, she spoke Truth to Power, and she let the
chips fall where they may. She was viciously attacked by many, but she gave
as good as she got, and she won more political fights than she lost. She
could be charming and funny, but it was her sheer courage,immense energy, and
moral vision that captured your imagination.




Every woman and man in Iowa
who believes in sexual equality owes Minnette Doderer an incredible debt.  She educated us and she was there for every important fight for the advancement of women.

—Clara Oleson lives in West Branch.

Most of the obituaries and tributes to Minnette Doderer omit one of her greatest contributions to the people of Iowa.  As the 1995 legislative session began, Gov. Terry Branstad’s
cherished goal of reinstating the death penalty looked unstoppable. “Fervor
for death penalty remains high,” blared a Des Moines Register headline on
January 22. The Iowa House passed a bill to reinstate the death penalty, but
only after Doderer used every legislative delaying tactic in the book
while reminding the public why Iowa
abolished the death penalty in 1965.


As reported in the Prairie Progressive (Winter 1995),
“Doderer’s moral passion and political skill cut the margin of votes”
and gave backbone to the Iowa Senate, which on 
March 2 soundly defeated the bill “in a stunning renunciation of capital punishment.” Later that
year, it was Minnette who persuaded Republican House leaders to take up a
resolution recognizing the Iowa Civil Liberties Union for 60 years of
service to Iowans. 

Yes, she was a magnificent crusader for women and children,
but she will also be remembered as a brave civil libertarian who
fought for justice regardless of the odds. 

—Dave Leshtz lives in Iowa City

For more about Minnette Doderer’s indomitable career and
those of others who served in the Iowa
legislature, read Legislators and Politicians: Iowa’s
Women Lawmakers by Suzanne Schenken, Iowa
State Press, 1995.

Win a free one-year subscription to the Prairie Progressive
by correctly answering the Prairie Pop Quiz: In 1928, which county
elected the first woman to serve in the Iowa House?

—Prairie Dog


The Prairie Progressive is Iowa's oldest progressive newsletter, available only in
hard copy for $12/yr.  Co-editors of The Prairie Progressive are Jeff Cox and Dave
Leshtz.   PP, Box 1945, Iowa City 52244.