WASHINGTON _ Sen. Tim Kaine, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, made an emotional return to the Capitol Wednesday, joining his caucus mates for lunch while honoring the seniority system and sitting at a back table reserved for freshmen.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton named the Virginian her running mate in July, shortly before the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Wednesday's meeting marked the Democratic senators' first policy lunch after the August recess.
Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said that Kaine expressed confidence that the Clinton ticket would prevail over Republican nominee Donald Trump.
"There was a tear or two shed," Reid said.
"There were some emotional moments when he reflected on serving in the Senate, how much it meant to him," said Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill. "But he's looking forward to his new position, and we are too."
Though Kaine expressed confidence about his and Clinton's prospects for winning the White House, Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said Kaine also encouraged Senate Democrats to continue their work on the campaign trail. Peters said Kaine advised them not to take anything for granted.
"He just talked about the friendships that he has in the caucus, (how) this is kind of a continuation of his work," Peters said.
