MHERALD/ JIM WYSS/
A fresh batch of WikiLeaks cables reveals that U.S. diplomats learned in 2006 that Nicaraguan officials toted suitcases of cash from Venezuela as part of an off-the-books aid effort that also was used to finance municipal campaigns.
A more recent cable informed that there were ``indications that the Ortega-Chávez revolutionary partnership may be suffering a cold snap,'' the cable reads. ``Over three years, Chávez has supplied Ortega with nearly a billion dollars in badly-needed `assistance,' but Ortega's constant need for operating cash to offset forfeited donor assistance is likely now wearisome for Chávez who faces growing domestic difficulties.''