Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine appeared at a campaign rally in Lakeland just hours before his running mate's debate with Donald Trump on Monday night.

  • VP candidate Tim Kaine spoke in Lakeland on Monday
  • He'll 'be on the edge' of his seat during presidential debates
  • Supporters said they're hoping for conversation on issues, not insults

Kaine arrived on a campaign jet at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport late in the morning and then appeared before a crowd of about 150 people in a meeting room at the Lakeland Center.

He talked about the economy, health care, national defense and immigration reform. The Virginia senator and former governor predicted he would keep his political winning streak alive.

"I've run eight races and I've won eight races," he told the crowd.  

“Today starts the closing stretch of the campaign with the debate tonight," he said. "You know, I am real interested in this debate. I mean I'm going to be on the edge of my seat."

Voters at the rally were hoping the debate would feature substance over fireworks.

"He's going to be held to a higher standard than before,” said Florida Southern College student Nelson Hill about Donald Trump. “He can't just lob attacks."

"Hopefully they put the gloves down and try and get to some issues eventually before November, so that's the goal for me,” added Clinton supporter Mike Bonislawski.