I agree with your cautious approach to this; b ut we are hoping some of these R senators are changing and with a roll call they will be on the record ...

In the article, she indicates the possibility of leaving the Republican party would hinge on whether the party moves forward as the party of Stump.  That may imply she may not go along with any sort of "Stump parrty" agenda.  If she were to turn to being an Independent, she might support some more "normal sounding" Democratic ideas.  I wouldn't expect a 100% switch to Democratic principles, but more flexibility in her voting decisions wouldn't be out of the question.