AARP speaks, Congress listens Series: THE GENERATION CLASH (STANDARD)

When it comes to lobbying, the American Association of RetiredPersons is something of a legend in the corridors of Congress.

"They represent the largest and perhaps the most cohesiveinterest group in the country. Their impact is very significant,"said a top staffer to one congressman.

"Their members are willing to write letters, make phone calls,demand that the members come to town hall meetings," he said."They're very effective in getting their members involved."

Some say they're too powerful - but no congressman would bequoted on that.

A measure of their impact was seen one year ago when Congresspassed legislation imposing a tax on seniors in order to pay forinsurance to cover hospital costs and prescription drugs forso-called catastrophic illnesses. Lawmakers took care that AARP wasbehind the plan.

Later, stung by criticism among seniors about the tax, Rep.Willis Gradison (R-Ohio) told a reporter, "But AARP was for it."

AARP is not the only senior citizens group, but it's easily thelargest, with 30 million members.

It's title is a bit misleading. About one-third still work.And since 1983, those from age 50 are solicited to join.

For $5 annual dues, members get a bimonthly magazine, ModernMaturity. Its 19 million circulation surpasses all other U.S.magazines.

Members qualify for discounts on rental cars, hotels and travel.Through Prudential Insurance, members can buy health coverage;through Hartford Insurance, they can buy coverage for their cars andhomes.