Madison ain't Pewaukee, ain'a?

Let's file this one away under "Suspicions confirmed." Madison's Mayor Dave does not appear to be in any danger of being recalled, even if his foes manage to collect enough signatures, which seems unlikely, judging from this story.

Madison is not going to throw out a popular mayor over a smoking ban, which most Madisonians probably support. The Citizens for Responsible Government and its recall-crazy friends will find that Madison ain't Pewaukee.

Now comes the report this morning that CRG is coming out of the non-partisan, concerned citizen closet, with the ambitious goal of becoming a statewide organization with 10,000 members and a million-dollar bankroll to beat Gov. Jim Doyle next year. Why not just call it Citizens for a Republican Governor and quit pretending?

The million dollars will be easier to find than the 10,000 members, although the Journal Sentinel is doing its part with a top-line story that promotes CRG's wish list -- and that's all it is, at this point. Republicans who want someone else to do their dirty work will write checks to CRG, depending upon its legal status. But the group is entering a brand new arena now, where the rules are different and the scrutiny is more intense.

This will test whether CRG is ready for prime time on the big stage. The group's credibility is on the line. They may wish they were back recalling aldermen in Gopher Junction before this is over.