Maybe I am a pessimist. I know I've become a cynic. I've just seen too often the cognitive dissonance a lot of Cahtolics have between the way they conduct their lives and the way they vote.
My own dear father-in-law is a good example. A more conservative businessman you will never meet, but even as he rails against the popular culture, abortion, high taxes, etc., he votes liberal Democrat every time, because they're for "average Americans, not the fat cats." It drives me nuts.
I hope you're right and I'm wrong, because the Republicans are banking their future on Hispanics voting conservative, and I see no evidence of that from history.
The Irish were a secure Dem voting bloc until about 10-15 years ago too.
I have friends like your father-in-law. I keep gently reiterating my perspective with those who believe that Republicans are not compassionate enough. One friend who is practically a daily communicant (and a nurse) believes that being against abortion is uncompassionate.