There were hugs, pecks on the cheek, and belly laughs.Governor Deval Patrick made a surprise appearance yesterday in the House chamber, bringing proceedings to a halt and shaking hands for nearly 20 minutes with delighted lawmakers who flocked to the governor as if they were at a wedding reception, eager for an audience.
Republicans stood off to the side, looking unsure how to react; Representative Paul Donato, a Medford Democrat who was presiding over the House session when the governor suddenly strode in, also appeared uncertain as to whether he should gavel the chamber to order (he didn't).
As the governor left, the representatives rose in wild applause.
Patrick had little to say about his unusual, impromptu visit. In a building where political calculation underlies almost every move, reporters peppered Patrick afterward about his intentions: What did he want? Why did he visit?
"I was in there thanking people," Patrick said as he walked down two flights of stairs and out to his car to head to an evening fund-raiser at his country estate in the Berkshires. "We've had just a terrific run and just a few more things teed up to get done before the session ends."
UPDATE: More from the Globe and Herald.
SECOND UPDATE: From the Herald.
