In March, I wrote about how independents were increasingly correlating with positions favored by Dems, something that obviously spelled doom for the GOP in 2008. In most elections, the key is to win over the swing voters and independents comprise a good portion of these prized votes.

The American Research Group recently surveyed adults about Bush's decision to commute Libby's sentence. Of those who approved of the decision: 13% of Democrats, 50% of Republicans, and 19% of Independents. Concerning the question of favoring or opposing an eventual pardon of Libby, in favor of a pardon were 7% of Democrats, 23% of Republicans, and 2% of Independents.

Notice how Independents continue to align much more so with Democrats than Republicans. The GOP presidential contenders have much to worry about, especially since they are stumbling over each other to please the far right faction of their party. Granted, they must suck up to the fringe to nail down the nomination, but good luck in making up all that ground to get back to the middle in time for November 2008 -- and to do so with at least some credibility.