How can McCain/Palin be Republicans and Mavericks?

Have the republicans figured out that a Maverick is INDEPENDENT? We all know that McCain/Palin really are republican, but they keep telling us they aren't popular with republicans... so why are they republicans? Also, if you're a republican, why are you voting for them? A vote for McCain/Palin as a republican is being hypocritical to your own party. You should vote for someone that is popular within the Republican party.