ES MOINES - Presidential campaigns have quietly asked the woman wearing an apron and carrying cookies to stay away. Now, commercials featuring M.L. Lindon's smiling face are beamed into homes around the state.
''It's been an eye-opener,'' Lindon said. ''I have been met by some really great voters, and some people who really just wish I would go away.''
Lindon works for Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities, a group that advocates cutting defense spending and shifting the money to social programs.
Hers is one of many groups that use odd or in-your-face tactics to be heard in states where the presidential candidates meet the voters up close.
Iowa holds precinct caucuses Jan. 24 to launch the nominating season, and New Hampshire has the first primary eight days later. Voters in both states have a long tradition of closely scrutinizing presidential candidates.
Many advocacy groups want to be a part of that mix.
''They've got to pay attention to this stuff,'' said Will Lynch, a consultant. There are no oceans in Iowa, but Lynch is using the campaign to generate attention for people who think the Navy needs more ships.
''It's very effective, and it heightens the issue and makes it something they need to be talking about,'' he said.
Lindon's group's slogan is Move Our Money, or MOM. Lindon, 50 and a grandmother, shows up at campaign events all over the state with her apron and tray of cookies.
She steadfastly works her way to the front of the crowd. When the time comes for questions, she politely but pointedly demands to know where the candidate stands on giving the Pentagon less money.
She thinks she's making a difference.
''I've noticed some changes in their vocabulary, with the introduction of words like `priorities,''' Lindon said.
While Lindon's group is colorful, some organizations are potent. The AARP, the largest lobbying group for older Americans, has opened a special campaign office.
Because Iowa is the state with the third oldest population, and studies show that senior citizens vote more heavily than any other demographic group, AARP has little trouble getting the ear of candidates.
''Medicare and Social Security have been such an important and frequently discussed issue on both sides,'' said AARP spokesman Bruce Koepl, ''I think we've had an impact on the candidates.''
When Governor George W. Bush of Texas opened the floor for questions at a recent campaign stop, the first three came from activists of various groups, all decked out in shirts proclaiming their message. If candidates find it irritating, they don't let on.
Lindon's group has gathered 18,000 signatures. And in a politically active state, nobody wants to offend 18,000 people.
The list of groups is mind-numbing. One seeks to end the arms race. Another, Citizens for a Sound Economy, wants a limited role for government. Still another advocates long-term care for the elderly. Aside from his Navy advocates, Lynch has another client who wants to talk about managed-care health plans.
''That's the kind of grass-roots activism we need,'' declared Jim Farrell, a spokesman for Democratic presidential contender Bill Bradley.
''They bring different concerns to the forefront,'' Bush spokesman Eric Woolson said. ''It has a way of bringing energy to the campaign as well.''
