The only concern Olympic officials raised on the second day of the 2002 Winter Games was the amount of time it was taking to get the media into venues.

Journalists lugging cameras, computers and other equipment reported waits of more than 1 1/2 hours to get into Friday's opening ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

And Saturday, reporters complained of long lines to drive their vehicles into venues. One even said he saw some chewing gum confiscated at a security checkpoint.

Mitt Romney said Saturday there's not much he can do since the U.S. Secret Service is in charge of security at the Games, along with the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command.

"We can pass the stories along," the Salt Lake Organizing Committee president said. "But they make their assessment of what they consider a risk."

During a press briefing after the first of what will be daily meetings with leaders of the International Olympic Committee to deal with any difficulties at the Games, Romney said he has asked that more security equipment be deployed to media entrances to speed the process.

He said he expected the 5,000 members of the National Guard called up to serve at the Salt Lake Games, though, will continue to handle security. "My experience is guys like me in civilian clothing don't get to have much influence."

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Each media vehicle is being screened with mirrors and dogs before it is allowed to enter an Olympic venue. And security personnel also are going through every item carried into venues by journalists.

IOC Director General Francois Carrard said security at the Salt Lake Games is being "handled very well and very carefully by all and we respect and comply."

? Organizers saw an unexpected boost in ticket sales on Friday. Some $420,000 tickets to events such as early rounds of hockey and curling, cross country and biathlon were sold primarily through Smith'sTix.

E-mail: lisa@desnews.com

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