Apr 1, 2008 12:00 PM, Patricia Odell

An enterprising woman has tapped into the long-held belief by many citizens that politics stinks.

To sweeten the aura, April Cline, a certified life coach and former perfume designer, has developed fragrances and body crèmes around the three leading presidential candidates. She markets them with spirited descriptions.

Hillary — A Champion for Women. Ready to Start on Day One! Strong and clean, delicate floral blend of jasmine, violet, rose and sheerest musk.

Barack — Change you can believe in and a fragrance to match. Clean citrusy notes of Bergamot and musk will energize you.

John — The “Ace” from the Straight Talk Express. Clean notes of bergamot, water lily, lavender woven with cool greens and frosty musk.

The idea sprang to life as Cline suffered through the flu watching the political debates on TV.

“It literally just popped into my brain, presidential perfume,” she says.

The Web site, http://shop.presidentialperfume.com, is the only marketing vehicle. However, a crush of media interest has certainly helped. (Cline has even been interviewed by Newsweek in Poland and found an article about her perfume written in Japanese).

So which fragrance is winning?

Since the products launched in February, Barack had steadily whittled away at the 25% sales lead held by Hillary to 10% then down to about even at press time.

“It's just so reflective of the country,” Cline says. “It's just fascinating.”

She says sales remain brisk, but not everyone sees the levity in it all.

One blogger — among many chiming in — named Bartamy wrote: “This seems extremely distasteful to me. And I really don't like the use of flags as a marketing gimmick — in any industry.”

As the political process moves forward, watch for new fragrances designed around vice presidential running mates and possibly spouses. And when we finally get a president: A new scent will debut named — and it's up for a vote — either Hail to the Chief or Oval Office.

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