Assuming they do well on Super Tuesday, McCain and Obama would look to Wisconsin as a key if not deciding state in their bids for the Republican and Democratic nominations, respectively.

Winning Wisconsin gives candidates the bright glow of electability. That 's because the Wisconsin primary is the closest thing to a general election as the primary season can deliver.

It 's easier to vote in Wisconsin. We allow same-day registration at the polls, and voters don 't have to declare allegiance to a specific political party. That means independent voters like me, who couldn 't stomach the idea of publicly identifying ourselves as a Republican or Democrat, have as much control as the party faithful in picking party winners.

In fact, the largest segment of voters in Wisconsin -- 40 percent -- are those who consider themselves politically independent, a recent statewide poll of 600 residents suggests.

Enter McCain, the straight-talking maverick senator from Arizona who is suddenly considered the GOP front-runner.

Enter Obama, the fresh and eloquent senator from Illinois who is giving Hillary Clinton a mighty scare in the Democratic contest.

McCain and Obama are best equipped to win the open primary in Wisconsin, one of the nation 's few, bona fide swing states.

McCain and Obama poll extremely well with independents. McCain also enjoys a high profile and solid reputation in Wisconsin for cooperating with Democrats to get things done. He has worked repeatedly with U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., a fellow maverick, on good-government reforms.

And like Feingold, McCain has a strong record of voting against government waste.

Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle 's endorsement can 't hurt Obama 's chances here. It wraps more of the party establishment around him -- something Clinton was supposed to own. Obama also won the Democratic contest in Iowa, a state similar to ours. And Obama visited Madison back in October, rallying thousands of supporters at Monona Terrace.

Obama is the only candidate with paid staff and offices in Wisconsin, suggesting he won 't quit the race until he at least gives us a try.

If McCain and Obama can make it to Wisconsin with some momentum, then don 't be surprised if Wisconsin makes them the main event come November.

Milfred is editorial page editor for the State Journal; smilfred@madison.com or 608 252-6110.