The Poker Players Alliance is putting everything it's got to push through a bill offered up by New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, which seeks to legalize online poker.  But Menendez needs support from fellow Democrats to co-sponsor his bill.  He's not exactly winning over many of his colleagues in Congress however.

From The Hill:

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) is putting Democrats in a bind by seeking to let illegal immigrants benefit from the healthcare overhaul.

Menendez, the only Hispanic senator, has considerable leverage with Democrats because he may represent the deciding vote on the Senate Finance Committee set to mark up the legislation next week. He's also the party's campaign committee chairman, giving him added influence.

Menendez said he is withholding his support for the bill until his concerns about immigration and other matters are addressed.

His objections come one week after President Barack Obama staunchly disputed GOP accusations that the healthcare proposal would aid illegal immigrants - prompting the now-famous "You lie!" outburst from Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.).

In other words, Menendez is angry over how Chairman Max Baucus's recently released bill would treat illegal immigrants.  Certainly this won't resonate well in Washington. Menendez's measure calls for the licensing and regulation of internet games of skill like online poker.   He's managed to get some support from industy friends like Barney Frank (D - MA) and Shelley Berkley (D - NV).

What's the OVER/UNDER on Menendez getting another 10 co-sponsors for his latest online poker bill?  We'll take the UNDER no matter what the price.

Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com