Romney does have something that even the former movie star turned politician can't claim — the Olympics. Not only did Romney transform the Salt Lake Games from scandal to success, he did it only months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against America.

All of it is outlined in his new book, which is widely seen as a promotional tool for a possible presidential bid. Some political observers, though, questioned how effective the 2002 Olympics will be with voters considering the 2008 race.

"It's a long time ago," said Robert C. Smith, a political science professor at San Francisco State. "In the immediate afterglow, it might help." Smith noted that Peter Ueberroth, head of the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles, tried a similar tactic but didn't get very far.

Malone, the professor from New York City, said the public won't remember until they're prompted by a political campaign. He said if Romney runs, he'll use his Olympic experience to tell voters about himself, just as Kerry has Vietnam.

"What is Mitt Romney's claim to fame? Well, if it's the Olympics, I think that's not really going to match up in comparison to Rudy Giuliani, who can say, 'I held together a city if not a whole country,' " Malone said. "I think he's got his work cut out for him."

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