Governor makes an impromptu House call

(Travis Dove for the Boston Globe/file)

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."

Patrick has invited all lawmakers to his estate in Richmond on Aug. 3. Senate President Therese Murray, Democrat of Plymouth, said the governor wanted to visit the Senate chamber yesterday, but the Senators weren't meeting at the time.

"I told him to come by on his birthday, which is on July 31," Murray said.

Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com.