re: The Rise of the Independents? - I like it too.
Checks and balances.
No high taxes (without representation or need - thank you very much).* Economy does well, government does well.
Respect for mother nature and human freedom (Ethanol!!!)
*If the minunum wage goes up, great(!), but keep an eye out for higher taxes, ETC.
Gridlock can be a very good thing and the American people know it.