WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Fresh from seizing control of the House of Representatives, Democrats Wednesday overwhelmingly applauded President Bush's announcement that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is resigning.

Here are a sampling of those reactions:

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-California (presumptive new Speaker of the House)
"I welcome this change. I think it will give a fresh start to finding a solution to Iraq rather than staying the course."

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, Senate minority leader
"I recognize that the country's going to be well-served with a new secretary of defense. I look forward to working with that person. But also, I look forward to working with the president to see if the new secretary of defense will help work to change course in Iraq. We have to do that."

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
"Yesterday's election was a cry for change and for the first time it looks like the president is listening. The nomination of a new Department of Defense secretary is a good first step, and we hope it is a sign that the president is looking toward a new course of action in Iraq. We look forward to working with him on an Iraq policy that is both strong and smart."

Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Missouri (possible future chairman of House Armed Services Committee)
"This change in leadership at the Department of Defense presents an important opportunity for our country to begin a new policy direction in Iraq and in the war on terrorism. I think it is critical that this change be more than just a different face on the old policy.