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.
I think you (and other FReepers) are the exception.
The independents I know are essentially Democrats who are either a) embarrassed by the party, but hate "conservatives" so much they will always vote Dem, or b) have an attitude that being "independent" makes them some sort of higher being. We have the media to thank for that.