During the Senate's heated debate over Cuba policy changes in the 2009 spending bill, TPMDC reported that Florida Democrat Bill Nelson was prepared to support the legislation after working out a compromise with the Obama administration on the bill's changes to the trade embargo against Havana.

So it's worth noting that Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Nelson's partner in frustration over the Cuba provisions, was also prepared to vote yes on the spending bill before Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) pulled it from the floor 10 days ago.

Menendez clarified the point in an interview yesterday with NorthJersey.com.