What does that have to do with the price of pomegrates in Calcutta?
Jeffords had his disagreement with the Republicans before 9-11. He left his party and didn't join another one. That makes him an independent.
His departure had nothing whatsoever to do with national security.
And what about Vice President McCain? It was such fun to think about, they had to ask. He said no. I doubt it was a surprise or a shock or a disappointment to anyone: it was a pipe dream from start to finish. McCain would never have been able to stay a Republican had he run with Kerry anyway. The Republican leadership would have seen to that.