The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is a favorite pilgrimage site for Latinos. But because Mary is noticeably pregnant in the image of Guadalupe, it’s also a favorite of pro-life Catholic voters.

McCain visited the site (photo included) with Jeb Bush, the president’s brother who converted to the Catholic faith.

Wise move, John McCain.

Reid Wilson has a very insightful article at Real Clear Politics about Hispanic demographics. Some facts:

In the past eight years, Hispanic voters have largely sided with Democrats, though not as much as other minority groups. In 2000, Al Gore won more than 60% of the Hispanic vote, versus roughly 35% of for President Bush. In 2004, Hispanics once again favored the Democrat, John Kerry, over President Bush, though by a slimmer margin of roughly 55 to 40. By 2006, however, after a contentious debate on comprehensive immigration in which the Republican-controlled House hewed to a conservative, enforcement first approach, just 30% of Hispanics voted Republican in Congressional elections, while Democrats raked in 69% of the vote.

McCain, of course, has the ability to win over Hispanics when they learn his thoughts on immigration. Hispanics will appreciate that he did not demonize them. (I just wish McCain had done less demonizing of conservatives).

Of course, if McCain picked a Latino to be on the ticket, that would solidify the Southwest and place Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado in his camp. (It might sadly give McCain delusions of California.) It would also help McCain win Catholic votes in the Midwestern states of Wisconsin and Michigan.)

The real reason to pick a Latino would be to win over a wonderful people to their natural home in the GOP. It would help in this election cycle and for years to come. (I haven’t seen any Latinos on the short list. Any names making the rounds?)

That said, McCain first and foremost should make a pick that reinforces his reformer message: Fighting corruption, overspending, etc. That is essential to winning in a bad year. That’s why picking a maverick reformer like Sanford, Jindal or Palin makes more sense than safe picks who deliver states like Pawlenty and Crist.