Gov. Jim Doyle visited the set of "Jeopardy!" a week ago when the TV quiz show taped its college championship at the Kohl Center in Madison.

Doyle apparently earned a cameo on the popular TV program, which will air its college episodes starting May 5.

What the Democratic governor didn't get to do is test his wits by competing in a round of "Jeopardy!" against, say, top lawmakers.

Wisconsin is left to imagine what might have been . . .

Alex Trebek:

"Welcome back to 'Political Jeopardy!' Let's look at each contestant's score. Gov. Jim Doyle has $1,400. Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch has $400. And Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker has $200. It's now time for Double Jeopardy. And the categories are: 'State Leaders,' 'Budget Blues,' 'Greek Mythology,' 'Health Care,' 'Words That Rhyme With Tommy' and 'Potpourri.' Senator Decker, you're up. Pick a category."

Decker:

"OK. 'Greek Mythology' for $400."

Trebek:

"This fire-breathing monster with a lion's head, goat's body and dragon's tail was slain by Bellerophon with help from his winged horse, Pegasus. [Huebsch rings in.] Speaker Huebsch."

Huebsch:

"Who is Chuck Chvala?"

Trebek:

No. [Decker rings in.] Senator Decker.

Decker:

"What is Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce?"

Trebek:

"No. [Doyle rings in.] Governor Doyle."

Doyle:

"What is the Chimera?

Trebek:

"That's correct! Governor, it's your board."

Doyle:

"'Greek Mythology' for $800."

Trebek:

"Prometheus stole this from the gods and gave it to mortals. [Huebsch rings in.] Speaker Huebsch."

Huebsch:

"What are tax cuts?"

Trebek:

"No. [Decker rings in.] Russ Decker."

Decker:

"What is the freedom to smoke in taverns?"

Trebek:

"No. But you're getting warmer. [Doyle rings in]. Governor Doyle."

Doyle:

"What is fire?"

Trebek:

"Correct. Governor, it's still your board."

Doyle:

"I'll take 'Potpourri' for $400, Alex."

Trebek:

"This food derived from the curds of sour milk has made Wisconsin famous. [Huebsch rings in.] Speaker Huebsch."

Huebsch:

"What are tax cuts?"

Trebek:

"No. [Doyle rings in]. Governor Doyle."

Doyle:

"What is cheese?"

Trebek:

"Yes. And it's still your board, sir."

Doyle:

"I'll take 'Budget Blues' for $400."

Trebek:

"State leaders in Wisconsin have relied on this strategy over and over again to mask chronic budget deficits. [Huebsch rings in]. Speaker Huebsch."

Huebsch:

"What are tax cuts?"

Trebek:

"No."

Huebsch:

"Oh, come on! It's gotta be the right answer for one of these."

Trebek:

[Decker rings in.] "Russ Decker."

Decker:

"What is tax and spend?"

Trebek:

"No. But again, you're close. [Doyle rings in.] Governor Doyle."

Doyle:

"What is borrow and spend?"

Trebek:

"Correct. You're on a roll, governor. Where do you want to go from here."

Doyle:

"'State Leaders' for $400."

Trebek:

"This current lieutenant governor of Wisconsin began her political career as a community activist in Green Bay. [Doyle rings in.] Governor Doyle."

Doyle:

"Oh! I should know this one. Umm . . . I had a meeting with her once. Ahh . . . "

Trebek:

"I'm sorry governor, your time is up. [Huebsch rings in.] Speaker Huebsch."

Huebsch:

"Who is Brett Favre?"

Trebek:

"No. [Decker rings in.] Senator Decker."

Decker:

"Who is Judy Robson?"

Trebek:

"I'm sorry. The correct answer is Barbara Lawton. Governor Doyle, it's still your board."

Doyle:

"'Health Care' for $800."

Trebek:

"And it's the Daily Double. How much would you like to wager?"

Doyle:

"I'll bet all of the money in Wisconsin's rainy day fund on the day I took office."

Trebek:

"And how much is that?"

Doyle:

"A buck-fifty."

Trebek:

"OK. This medical procedure . . . [Huebsch rings in]"

Huebsch:

"What are health savings accounts?!"

Trebek:

"I'm sorry, Mr. Speaker, but only the governor can answer during his Daily Double. Please let me finish the . . . [Decker rings in.]"

Decker:

"What is the Healthy Wisconsin insurance plan?!!"

[BZZZZZZZ]

Trebek:

"Oops. That's all the time we have. Congratulations, Governor Doyle, it looks like you are the winner."

Huebsch:

"Not in 2010."

Decker:

"Not in the state's mini-budget this spring. I guarantee you that."

Huebsch:

"Not in the polls."

Trebek:

"Thank you for watching 'Political Jeopardy.' We'll see you next time."

Decker:

"Wait! How about a mini-round, like the mini-budget, where we try to answer the same questions all over again?"

[The scene fades to a commercial.]

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