Dejected Democrats wiped away tears on the House floor Monday night while Republicans congratulated themselves on winning back control of the lower chamber. House members returned to the nation's capital for the first time since Republicans captured the House two weeks ago.
Freshman Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.), who lost her reelection bid, wiped away tears as she hugged fellow members of the class of 2008, many of whom lost on Nov. 2.
Less than three feet away, ousted Nevada freshman Rep. Dina Titus (D) appeared to brush away some tears in a less obvious manner.
The mood was much different on the other side of the aisle.
Joyful House GOP lawmakers, who will take control of the House in January with at least 85 new members, made no effort to conceal their elation.
Republicans slapped backs, shook hands and laughed with each other, while their dejected Democratic colleagues huddled in clusters consoling themselves.
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