Madison, Wis. — As you can tell, I’m back in Mad Town, 15 months after coming here for the first time in winter 2011, just as Governor Walker was beginning his battle with the public-sector unions. Since then, NRO has come back often, first to cover the Prosser race, then the state-senate recalls. This time, the weather is better, but beyond that, little has changed. It’s still a liberal college town with a far-left edge, and Walker remains an embattled governor, fighting for his political life.

After checking in, I took a stroll around town, chatting with activists and students. They’re not giving up on Tuesday’s recall but it’s clear, when you get them “off the record,” that many are downbeat about Democrat Tom Barrett’s chances.

One teacher, hanging out in capitol square, was unhappy that Bill Clinton came so late. To him, the visit seemed almost perfunctory. Others said the same, though many progressives, to be fair, are upbeat and excited. They’ve been chasing Walker for over a year. Even if Barrett is underwhelming, they’re not ready to quit.