Digital Bulletin

PROVIDENCE -- U.S. Senator-elect Sheldon Whitehouse strolled through the Arcade in downtown Providence early this afternoon, giving hugs and handshakes to many surprised supporters on their lunch breaks.

"I just came by to say how much I appreciate it," Whitehouse said inside Ocean Coffee Roasters to one woman as she put sugar in her coffee. "Keep praying for me. We've got a lot of work to do."

The Democrat who unseated Republican U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee yesterday was flanked by a horde of media as he walked through the historic mall. The post-victory Arcade appearance has become a tradition for Rhode Island politicians from both parties.

Whitehouse's first stop was Le Greque, a small Greek eatery.

"Congratulations," shop owner Steve Stamatis said to Whitehouse as they clasped hands across the counter.

"Whitehouse is a customer of mine," Stamatis said later. "He comes here to eat falafels."

Whitehouse briefly addressed the media as he arrived.

"I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that we have Montana and Virginia sewed up, because if we do then it really is a new day with a change of leadership," he said of the two states too close to call in the Democrats' quest to gain a majority in the U.S. Senate.