Ted Cruz recalls visit with 'generous' Pres. George HW Bush

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Ted Cruz is among the Texas lawmakers who've paid tribute to former President George H.W. Bush this week in Washington.

But few of them likely have a story like the one the recently re-elected senator told ABC13.

The senator detailed a trip he took to Maine in 2009, when he was campaigning for Texas attorney general. He later ran successfully for the U.S. Senate instead.

He visited the former president to ask for his advice about running for office and expected a 20-minute meeting.

It turned into a four-and-a-half hour visit that included the former president loaning Cruz his clothing for a trip on his boat and a lobster lunch.

But the kicker came at the end of the meeting, when he said Bush pulled out of his pocket a campaign donation check for $1,000.

Listen to the story in its entirety by clicking the video above.

FULL COVERAGE: The death of George H.W. Bush

• Former President George H.W. Bush has died at age 94


• Social media reacts to the death of former Pres. George H.W. Bush


• George H.W. Bush's final words: 'I love you, too'


• Moving cartoon reunites Bush 41 with Barbara and daughter



• Dec. 5 declared National Day of Mourning for George H.W. Bush


• George H.W. Bush was nation's longest-living president


• Houstonians pay their respects at the monument of George H.W. Bush


• Flags at half-staff for 30 days following George H.W. Bush's death