Now that Mitt Romney has all but clinched the Republican Party's presidential nomination with sweeping victories in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin, attention is turning in earnest to his selection of a compatible and helpful vice presidential running mate.

At or near the top of most analysts' early lists are two Hispanics: the nation's first and only Latina governor, Susana Martínez of New Mexico, and the highest-ranking Latino Republican in Congress, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.

The April 3 primaries moved the former Massachusetts governor more than halfway to the 1,144 delegates he needs to secure the nomination, while Romney's real remaining rival, Rick Santorum, must place his fast-fading hopes on a brokered August Republican convention in Tampa.

Romney's press secretary Andrea Saul insists to AL DÍA that the campaign's primary focus is on "securing the nomination, not on making a ticket," several political analysts have already drawn up short and long lists of potential partners.

Mexican-American Martínez, 52, and Cuban-American Rubio, 40, both are positioned to soften the GOP's image of anti-Hispanic. Martínez, who prior to being elected governor was Doña Ana County district attorney in Southern New Mexico, could also provide some cover over the party's reputation as anti-women.

A USA Today/Gallup poll released April 2, gives Obama an 18-point lead among women over Romney, 54%-36%.

Ireland's largest bookmaker, Paddy Power, which accepts wagers on a number of political, sports and other competitions, has made Rubio an early to 2:1 favorite. He is followed by New Jersey governor Chris Christie at 5:1 and Martinez at 11:2 as a possible running mate. 

Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, who Paddy Power lists at 9:1, has been shadowing Romney lately during his primary campaign. 

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, has denied to the Associated Press any interest in seeking the vice presidency. If asked by Romney and he accepts, he would be the first Hispanic vice-presidential nominee in the country's history. As Romney's second-in-command, the senator could help carry the critical swing state of Florida come November.

Prior to his position as U.S. Senator, Rubio was Speaker of Florida's House of Representatives.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) told AL DÍA, "Having known Marco since he was a law school student, I can attest to his strong work ethic, his patriotism and his call to give back to our great nation. He will be a wonderful new voice for our political party and our country.

"Marco could inspire a new generation of conservatives to public service. I hope he gets the call…and I hope he accepts the invitation."

For GOP strategist Leslie Sánchez, Rubio is "a dynamic force of nature in American politics."

"He is extremely conservative, credentialed, engaging and principled. He's the face of the new conservative movement, Sánchez commented. "He would be a strong reflection of a new, diverse Republican Party."

Enthusiastically endorsed by the Tea Party loyalists, he is seen as an asset in several swing states. Rubio would gather support from Florida's Cuban-Americans and other Hispanics there. He stands as an emblematic symbol of the GOP's inclusion of people of color into its highest ranks, Sánchez and other Hispanic analysts point out.

"He's kind of like a right-wing Obama," Angelo Falcón, president of National Institute on Latino Policy, told AL DÍA, recalling Obama's 2008 presidential race.

Falcón added that with his charisma come some challenges for the party — ones that will linger regardless of who is selected as Romney's running mate. "He's got the spirit, but doesn't have that much experience… [He] is very light on policy."

National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials executive director Arturo Vargas mentioned that Rubio could help dispel the notion that only the Democratic Party values the Hispanic contribution to the nation.

Vargas called selecting a Hispanic as vice presidential candidate an "obvious gesture" by the GOP to develop a Latino strategy to regain the White House. Cubans comprise about 4% of the U.S. Hispanic population.

"He is not that well known outside of Florida." Vargas added, saying Rubio would have to sell himself and his beliefs to the Latino electorate, most of whom do not share his conservative views.

Sánchez maintained that Rubio would be important not just because he is Hispanic, but also because he is a young and personable. Latinos are becoming a more educated electorate, she said.  "Latinos voters are sophisticated voters. We are voting on personal interests. We are voting based on economic issues. We are voting on who has the best vision for growing America's economy and keeping us a world leader."