Let me first say, that I’m an independent voter eager to support a bipartisan presidential candidate; a candidate who will truly work across party lines to do what’s best for America. As I’ve watched the party primaries unfold, I’ve seen a glimmer of hope with John McCain and Barack Obama. But as McCain tries harder and harder to win his conservative base, I start to get an uneasy feeling….Will he abandon what he stands for and do anything to win?

John McCain has a proven track record of working across party lines. He worked with Democrat, Russell Feingold on campaign finance reform. He and Democrat, Ted Kennedy worked together on illegal immigration reform. He led the formation of the Gang of 14 (7 Dems/7 Reps) who reached a compromise over conservative judge nominations. He worked with Democratic Senators to investigate and search for soldiers missing in action in Vietnam and co-sponsored a bill with Democrat, John Kerry aimed at ending a trade embargo against Vietnam.

McCain has not been afraid to stand alone and vote on his principles, even against an overwhelming majority of Republicans. He was one of two Republicans to vote against the 2001 Bush Tax Cuts. He was the only Republican Senator to vote against the Freedom to Farm Act of 1996. In 1995 he voted against the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act; only three other Republicans in Congress joined him.

I don’t necessarily agree with all of McCain’s votes but I do respect the fact that he voted on what he believed and did not succumb to pressure from his party. That is what I am looking for in a President; someone who will do what’s best for the country not their political party.

Lately, McCain has been pandering to conservative Republicans. I understand the importance of winning the conservative base. But what about the moderates and independents who have helped him win the nomination? Can he afford to lose them and still win the general election?

How important have independents and moderates been in securing the Republican nomination for McCain? Take a look at the CNN exit polling results from some key state primaries. As a baseline, look at how even McCain’s support is among voters who call themselves Republican. Then, look at his overwhelming support among voters who call themselves independents, moderates, and liberals.

South Carolina was a key victory for McCain early in the primary process.

• Vote by “Republican” – Huckabee 32%, McCain 31%
• Vote by “Independent” – McCain 42%, Huckabee 25%
• Vote by “Moderate” – McCain 51%, Huckabee 21%
• Vote by “Liberal” – McCain 47%, Huckabee 20%

In Florida, McCain set up Romney for the Super Tuesday knock-out punch.

• Vote by “Republican” – McCain 33%, Romney 33%
• Vote by “Independent” – McCain 44%, Romney 23%
• Vote by “Moderate” – McCain 43%, Romney/Giuliani 21%
• Vote by “Liberal” – McCain 49%, Romney 24%

On Super Tuesday, this trend continued for McCain in California.

• Vote by “Republican” – McCain 42%, Romney 37%
• Vote by “Independent” – McCain 49%, Romney 26%
• Vote by “Moderate” – McCain 54%, Romney 22%
• Vote by “Liberal” – McCain 57%, Romney 20%

As McCain fights to win the conservative vote, independents are looking more to the left. He’s already waffling on his immigration reform bill, hinting that it was a mistake. There’s also talk about his need to choose a conservative vice presidential candidate. McCain’s vice presidential choice will be more important to Americans than the Democratic choice due to McCain’s age (72). Will a moderate or indpendent vote for McCain knowing the possibility exists for a far-right conservative to succeed him?

I believe in November that McCain will win the conservative vote. Conservatives are making a lot of noise over McCain now because they didn’t get their way in the primaries. Their dissent is a political play to get the most promises out of McCain before November. But as we get closer to general election time, they will quiet down and rally behind McCain. When it comes down to it, no “true conservative” will vote for Obama or Clinton. Furthermore, I don’t believe they will abstain from the election either. The prospect of Obama or Clinton as President will be far worse to them than McCain. If they think McCain is liberal, they must cringe at the thought of their alternatives. 

But winning the conservative base will not be enough for McCain to win the election. He is already behind in the national polls to both Obama and Clinton. The only way to catch up is to take the independent voters away from the Democratic opposition. To do this, he must continue down the path he’s been going for his entire political career; standing his ground on what he believes and crossing party lines to get things done for the country. That is what independent voters respect. That’s why they’re independent!

I want to join John McCain in the center aisle but if he continues to move right, I will turn my head and look for an open seat to the left.