The loudest and longest cheers of the evening came as votes for George W. Bush added up. But Utah Republicans had much more to cheer about in this election.

It started with a clear victory for Senator Orrin Hatch; the first of many acceptance speeches this night.

Mark Shurtleff came next, another strong winner in the race for attorney general. Congressman Jim Hansen took his bows mid-way through the evening.

And a grateful Governor Mike Leavitt, who overcame both a Democratic challenger and some challenges from within his own party.

"LET US NEVER LOOSE FAITH BECAUSE WE WILL WIN AND WILL CARRY THIS NATION AND THIS STATE TO IT'S PROFOUND DESTINY."

In one way, Bush did make an appearance in Utah, but it was as fleeting as the ever changing returns.

One significant disappointment for Republicans was in the second Congressional district.

Opponent Jim Matheson declared victory early. But Derek Smith continued to hold out hope even as returns crept in.

Derek Smith/(R) Candidate For Congress: WE WANT OUR SUPPORTERS TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE HOW MUCH THEY'VE DONE IN THE CAMPAIGN, AND WE'LL BE WAITING ANXIOUSLY TO SEE HOW THE ACTUAL VOTE TALLY COMES OUT.

Richard Piatt Eyewitness News: FOR UTAH REPUBLICANS THE GOOD FAR OUTWEIGHED THE BAD THIS ELECTION DAY. THE ONLY DISAPOINTMENT OBVIOUSLY IN THE SECOND DISTRICT. BUT AS ONE DIE HARD REPUBLICAN PUT IT: IT'S ONLY FOR TWO YEARS.