Biden says economy will be top priority

WASHINGTON - Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. said that lawmakers from both parties had urged the incoming administration to be big and bold with its economic-aid plan next year despite the huge deficits being created.

"There is going to be real significant investment, whether it's $600 billion or more, or $700 billion, the clear notion is it's a number no one would have thought about a year ago," Biden told ABC's

This Week

for an interview to air today.

Biden said that the spending was necessary to stop the loss of jobs and that the economy would be the administration's top priority.

On more personal issues, Biden said his wife, Jill, who teaches English at Delaware Technical and Community College, would continue to teach after she moves to Washington, but probably part time. He said that several four-year and community colleges in the Washington area had contacted her.

"I think it's very important she have and maintain her own life, her own identity," Biden said. "And she'll be a very active second lady. She'll be very active. But I think it's important. It matters to her."

Biden explained that he had not yet resigned from the Senate because he said it was possible that he could have voted on some issues where the margin of a victory or defeat would have been close.

"I have no intention of staying up until the day that I am sworn in as vice president."