WASHINGTON (AFP) — Democratic White House rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama had a brief encounter on Tuesday, as they took a rare diversion from the campaign trail to the Senate.
Obama, moving ever closer to capturing the Democratic nomination, enjoyed a round of backslapping and handshakes from colleagues as he strode into the Senate for a series of votes.
Clinton set up camp in a corner of the chamber, in a protective ring of supporters including Washington Senator Maria Cantwell, and her fellow New York Senator Chuck Schumer.
At one point, the Illinois senator approached Clinton and patted her on the shoulder and the arm, and she smiled broadly, as they exchanged a few words before he left the chamber.
The former first lady had earlier swept into the Capitol Building, through a crowd of surprised tourists, while talking on her cellphone.
Asked how she felt about her chances in Tuesday's West Virginia primary, where polls tip her for a big win, Clinton said "excellent."
One notable absentee from the Senate on Tuesday was Republican presumptive nominee John McCain, who was campaigning in Washington state.
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