The Maine senators aren't libertarian. Republicans aren't joining the Dems. They are becoming independent or libertarian. They are upset over the spending, so the solution is not joining the party of care free. Some former independents may have identify as Dem from the election cycle, but that will die down over time.
Yeah, I only said they lean libertarian because of the social issues as I believe both Susan and Olympia are pro-choice and pro-gay rights, clearly why they are often labeled as RINOs. They're certainly not libertarians, I agree, on most fiscal issues seeing as how they voted for the economic stimulus package.
Do you really think most Republicans are joining Libertarians? I'm asking wholeheartedly, not trying to be condescending. It's just that third parties don't have a big track record in the U.S. and what kind of nominee would the GOP need to nominate to win back some of these Republicans who have embraced their new libertarianism? If they are joining the Libertarian Party, I'd say they're obviously not doing so because of the social issues so you can eliminate Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin from that list. Would they be inclined to vote for someone like Mitt Romney? I'd also throw Charlie Crist in that list but seeing as how he's a moderate running for the U.S. Senate seat, yeah. Or will they really adhere to the Libertarian Party and vote for whomever the Libertarians nominate?