AUGUSTA -- Last April, 300 AARP members wearing red t-shirts flooded the Statehouse halls to lobby for bills.

That day, predatory lending, financial exploitation of the elderly, and the practice of cutting the unemployment benefits of those on Social Security led the agenda.

Even without busloads of citizens, the AARP has a strong presence at the Statehouse any time the Legislature is in session.

Because of the state's aging population, and the surge of boomers that will continue the trend, Maine has been the fastest growing AARP affiliate in the country in the last few years, said Jud Dolphin, state director of AARP Maine.

And while many join for the member discounts, publications and products, they also learn about how the group works to influence public policy.

"The most important victories are done in coalition," he said. "I don't think you get much done in public policy as the Lone Ranger."

In recent years, the group has worked to ensure that the new federal Medicare Part D drug benefit would not hurt Mainers already enrolled in a state program, Dolphin said.

They worked with several other groups to support a predatory lending bill to make it harder for unscrupulous lenders to operate in Maine. They've also worked on consumer fraud issues and taken an active role in the national AARP's Divided We Fail campaign, which stresses the need for universal health care.

For Gov. John Baldacci, an AARP member, the group doesn't necessarily hold more power than other lobbyists who work the Statehouse halls.

"Maine is a unique state," he said. "I don't think organizations are as powerful as people are. I'm not running for anything, so I'm not saying it to be political."

He said when credible individuals raise issues, the press covers it and politicians pay attention. And while AARP does a good job sending out information, they don't hold more sway -- "not any more than any other group," he said.

Unlike other organizations, AARP does not endorse candidates, although it does put out voter guides to members.

"We focus on policy," Dolphin said. "We work with Republicans, Democrats, Greens and any other brand of political party."

Dolphin and Nancy Kelleher work as lobbyists for the group at the Statehouse, and a group of about a dozen volunteers review all bills submitted each session, he said.

As the year progresses, Dolphin said he and others will be closely monitoring state budget cuts.

"We want to make certain the most vulnerable are not cut off and hurt," he said.

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com