Essential Estrogen

Newspaper and magazine clippings litter the table and are passed from hand to hand. The latest news from the weekend and morning news shows is the hot topic at both ends of the table, although not necessarily tied to the same program or information. Smiles, hugs and hysterical laughter are simply par for the course.

There is little doubt some visitors to Cedar Rapids' Lindale Mall during the Monday meeting of the "Kerry Babes" make the mistake of writing off the women as a social network for mothers and grandmothers; the clippings they circulate on the news of the day believed to be favorite recipes. If you look a little longer, however, there are signs this isn't a grandmother's sewing circle -- a t-shirt with the single word "coexist," a patriotic hat and snippets of conversation about U.S. domestic and international policy that would leave some of the highest paid political strategists wishing they were flies on the wall.

"You aren't going to find any recipes here," said Janet Wagner, a retiree who raised a special needs child and continues to volunteer with low-income families.

The diverse group of women ranges from age 52 to 89 and met during the 2004 election when they volunteered for then Democratic hopeful Sen. John Kerry.

"We are all from such different backgrounds that I doubt we would have met and become such close friends if it hadn't been for that common thread," said Sara Stark, a retired educator who worked both in the classroom and as a school guidance counselor. "We were really blessed to have found each other."

The "Kerry Babes" -- a name coined by retired trust banker Linda McCormick -- didn't begin official meetings until well after the November 2004 elections.

"That was a difficult time," said Janet Hernandez, who volunteers in many capacities including driving cancer patients to chemotherapy treatments. "We were physically and emotionally invested."

At their first meeting on Jan. 20, 2005, the members wore black and gathered at the Irish Democrat in Cedar Rapids.

"We needed each other for support that day -- Inauguration Day," said Audrey Rahn, an animal rights activist who retired from a career at the Washington Post. "It made it easier to be with friends."

The women -- "brought together by politics, staying together by friendship," says McCormick -- have continued to meet, support and educate one another.

All the members point to respect and friendship as the way they're going to weather the 2008 Iowa caucus. Most of the women have taken on the name "Hill's Angels" and are supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton. Within the group supporters can also be found for former Sen. John Edwards, Gov. Bill Richardson, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Joe Biden. At least two of the women are still undecided.

"We will always be 'the babes' -- we know each other and feel comfortable coming together to vent," said Doreen Meier, a post-Korea war bride who raised seven boys and has 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her entire face turned red when other members picked up on her venting comment and proclaimed her as the group's "angel."

"It's true," Wagner said. "She can't say a bad word about anyone -- not even [Pres. George W.] Bush!"

After the meeting Meier explained she simply couldn't talk badly about another person. "Even if you don't like the job that person is doing or don't believe the same things, we have to give respect to another member of the human race," she said. "Everyone deserves that."

While the women agree the 2008 contests are going to be divisive, they are also assured their circle will remain.

"We don't even get mad over religion," confided Rahn. "We have lots of variety and diversity in our group in that respect and we don't fight about it."

While politics and religion may be two of the most hot-button issues the women face, the group's diversity doesn't end there. Roughly half the women are currently married. Although some are now widows, there are a few who have never married and only about half have had children.

When asked to name what should be the most prominent issue in this election, the women found the question difficult to answer. Internationally, the women agreed the focus was the Iraq war and the U.S. reputation abroad. Domestically, however, answers ranged from health care to protecting the environment to development of a fair tax law.

A handful of the women admit to volunteer efforts with Kerry as being their first dive into politics. Most of the members, however, have been politically active for some time. All will tell you their lives have been changed by being a part of this dynamic group of women.

"This group is my life," said Janet Spratte, a self-employed Realtor one of only two members who is not retired. "Because of this group, I know what is going on in the world and I get to have deep conversations about it. Because I know Donna will get up early, I know I can sleep late and not miss any big news."

Barbara Wihlm continues to work as a cosmetologist. Another member, Sara McDermott, is retired from U.S. West, but is currently enrolled as a student.

Sue Collins, a retiree who refused to label herself but whom the others described as "a wonderful person with a big heart," said with confidence, "I know this group. I know they will always be there."