[workerbee]

The largest and growing segment is among independents, 41 percent of the total.

I believe this is misleading. Every "independent" I've ever met is a Dem and/or votes Dem. Without exception.

[sheana]

I’m an Independent and have NEVER voted Dem. I am an Independent because the Republicans no longer represent me and I was sick of them taking my vote for granted.
George Bush’s “....see you at the signing” turned me.

[HartleyMBaldwin]

You and I must never have met, then. I have always been registered Independent, since 1976, and nearly always end up voting for the Republican candidate. I do not recall ever voting for a Democrat, for any office.

[Roccus]

Obviously, we’ve never met.

I’m fine with that.

[carlo3b]

I believe this is misleading. Every "independent" I've ever met is a Dem and/or votes Dem. Without exception.

How strange, I find the exact opposite, most if not all of the independents I know think the GOP is too liberal for their taste.. It must be our divergent neighborhoods, or circle of friends.. :)

[x]

Depends on where you live, who you know, and what your state's voting laws are.

People I know who aren't interested in political careers themselves tend to register as independents because in our state you can vote in either party's primary, and sometimes there's only a race in one party.