BY CHRIS MOESER
ARIZONA REPUBLIC

PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. – Elizabeth Dole accomplished what she set out to do in Arizona on Thursday: glad-hand a few politicos and make important contacts but avoid answering any real questions about her campaign.

Dole attended an event at a Paradise Valley home hosted by former Attorney General Grant Woods and designed to raise her profile in an important early primary state.

When she did briefly speak with reporters, Dole made it clear she will contest Arizona. She has already planned return visits in April and May.

‘‘I would think Arizona is looking real good, based on the wonderful outpouring today,’’ said Dole, who formed an exploratory committee Wednesday in Iowa and who heads Friday to New Hampshire.

But perhaps the most telling part of the event was the effort made by Dole’s aides to keep her at arm’s length from reporters.

If she runs, Dole will join Texas Gov. George W. Bush at the head of a growing list of GOP candidates. However, she has yet to define for what she stands or to where she would like to lead the country.

Some have criticized the former cabinet secretary for relying too heavily on canned speeches and scripted events, and Thursday’s appearance did little to change those perceptions.

Before she arrived, Dole’s traveling press secretary asked journalists to ‘‘pre-position’’ themselves away from the driveway to the home, where Dole got out of a sport-utility vehicle. The press secretary repeatedly barked at reporters to back away from the area.

Later, reporters were ushered into the home in groups of three to observe Dole meeting with guests. They were allowed to take pictures but not ask questions.

At one point, the press aide, Joyce Campbell, tried to move Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza out of a doorway so she could herd reporters away from a table where Dole was sitting.

‘‘Did you all get what you need?’’ asked another press aide after the tour. Reporters responded with laughter.

‘‘I’m just trying to control what they want me to control,’’ the aide later said, apologetically.

Campbell later added that the event was intended as a photo opportunity, not a press conference.

Dole later took reporters’ questions for less than two minutes. She emphasized that the goal of the event was to meet people and get their ideas for the campaign.

Several people who attended said Dole went from table to table, looking at issues like national defense and education that guests had written on 4-by-6 notecards. She then discussed the issues with those at each table.

‘‘This is a people-to-people effort,’’ Dole said. ‘‘I’ve been listening to their interests and their concerns. . . . It’s extremely helpful.’’

In fact, many in attendance were the well-connected set usually seen at society gatherings in the Valley. Political consultant Jason Rose, Channel 15 anchor Robin Sewell, Phoenix Coyotes President Shawn Hunter, Secretary of State Betsey Bayless and a smattering of lobbyists attended the event. Valet parking was available.

Dole, who would be the first woman to be elected president, also praised Arizona voters for electing five women to statewide office.

‘‘I think it’s wonderful, the five women who are leading this state,’’ Dole said. ‘‘You are really showing the rest of the nation something very interesting and very impressive, in terms of the leadership of women.’’