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Generally, indies are considered those who don't identify themselves as liberal or conservative.

No, Independents can be generally considered to be neither Democrat or Republican - The finer point would be *no* party affiliation, but smaller parties are often lumped in... The point being that Independents have no party affiliation.

Independents swung the congressional election in '06 and won Pelosi the Speakership; they also went for Obama over McCain. We don't want them swinging Obama's way again.

McCain lost because the Religious Right did not turn out in force, not because of any other thing... It simply astounds me that Republicans always step on Conservatives, thinking like rove: "Where they gonna go?" What happens is that they don't turn out. That's the problem the 'ABO' crowd around here doesn't understand... Conservatives stand on principle, and vote *FOR* those things. Without those things, there is no base, and therefore no win. Being fearful of middle straddling independents (which is not true in the first place) will get you nothing.

Put it this way...more of those who have not committed themselves toward either candidate (but who will vote) will be disillusioned if Romney veers from making the economy the #1 issue and wades too far into social issues than will be disillusioned if he doesn't speak out on Chick Fil A.

Romney is winning as he hammers Obama on the economy and I think it's wise for Romney to keep that strategy and not be distracted.

Fact is, the religious right voted about the same in '08 as they did in '04. Sure, there are some who will not vote for Romney no matter what. But more and more conservatives are now more concerned with getting rid of Obama.