How to Win an Election

My dad once told me that a third of the people are democrats, a third are republican, and a third are independent. In order to win an election, you have to win a majority of the independent vote. The Republican Party would do well to remember this. Recent statements (i.e. wanting the President and/or his policies to fail) made by several prominent Republicans play well with their base; however, those statements alienate moderates and independents. For Republicans to have electoral success in 2010 and thereafter, they need to broaden their appeal and promote ideological diversity. The question is will they do it?