PJ, many of the polls based on likely voters, or any polls for that matter, include independent voters, and there are few if any polls now showing McCain stands much of a chance.
As the GOP ship has giant holes in its hull and is already sinking, I suggest you find something more substantial than grasping at straws when the GOP goes down on 11/4.
Independents have been hurt very badly by GOP policies along with the rest of us. The notion that they will feel any party loyalty or sympathy with the GOP is absurd, they are independent and have no party loyalty.
Its the very reason they call themselves independent.