The capture of Saddam Hussein evoked bipartisan cheers across the nation that, for the moment, drowned the chorus of criticism over the mounting casualties in Iraq and the politicizing of President Bush's Iraq policy.

And there is cautious hope on both sides of the aisle the capture will accelerate the peace process, draw reluctant allies into the Iraqi reconstruction effort and stem the daily guerilla attacks.

"I am optimistic. The president is optimistic," Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R. Tenn., said on ABC's "This Week" program. "We realize that this is a major step, but there is a lot to be done."

"This gives the president, I would think, certainly more latitude to reach out to more countries, more people," Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview on NBC.

Utah's congressional delegation also joined in the celebration.

"Today is a great day for the people of Iraq," said Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, calling the capture a tribute to U.S. troops and Bush's perseverance.

"Though the violence is not over, this is a huge step in bringing final peace and stability to Iraq and in fighting terrorism worldwide," added Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah. "Never again will Saddam Hussein torture his own people or threaten American security."

The rest of Utah's congressional delegation was similarly effusive, praising the U.S. military and showering kudos on the president, who is running for re-election amid sagging poll numbers on his Iraq policy.

"What a wonderful Christmas present," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. "This is a tremendous victory for our military and our president. The Iraqi people are now fully headed to freedom."

Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, said, "The capture of Saddam Hussein is a tribute to the expertise and professionalism of America's armed forces up and down the chain of command. Their persistence in the face of criticism and second-guessing has prevailed."

Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah's only Democrat in Congress, praised U.S. troops for making "this day possible for Iraqis and their neighbors."

"While this may not result in an immediate end to the insurgency, I see this as an important step in our continuing commitment in Iraq. We all want a peaceful outcome in this country, with a government that is accountable to its people."

Democrats were giving the president his due but also calling on more international involvement in the effort. "I hope President Bush will use this opportunity to chart a course in Iraq that will bring in our allies in a meaningful way to achieve a democratic and peaceful Iraq," said presidential hopeful Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.