Friday, November 7, 2008 12:43 PM

Biden Says He'll Spend His Weekends In Delaware

By MIKE MEMOLI

GEORGETOWN, Del. - Even as vice president-elect, he's still just "Joe" at home.

Two days after being elected vice president, Joe Biden returned to the First State to an enthusiastic, though wet reception Thursday as he took part in the post-election "Return Day" tradition. Riding around the small town in a horse-drawn carriage, Biden smiled and waved as almost everyone it seemed referred to him just by his first name as they shouted their good wishes.

Biden later told his constituents that no matter what office he holds, "I'm still Delaware."

"It's been an honor representing you, and thank you," the vice president-elect said during brief remarks at the annual "Return Day" event. "I'm still at this moment and continue to be Senator Joe Biden, the proudest title I've ever had, representing the state of Delaware. I love you, thank you very, very, very, very much."

Biden also told the hundreds of huddled Delawareans that he still plans to spend a lot of time at home.

"The bad news for you is, Jill and I are not leaving Delaware," he said. "I maybe the vice president-elect, but we're going to be home every weekend so you know where we live."

Biden made just a day trip home to Delaware from Chicago to take part in Return Day, where winning and losing candidates ride around this small town in a horse-drawn carriage, and then participate in a literal "burying of the hatchet." But in a break with custom, Biden, who was re-elected for a seventh term on Tuesday, did not ride with his Republican opponent, Christine O'Donnell.

Biden plans to be sworn in for another Senate term next January before resigning to assume the vice presidency. Depending on when he resigns, his appointment would be made by either outgoing Gov. Ruth Ann Minner or Gov.-elect Jack Markell, both Democrats. Biden has said he would resign just before becoming VP, meaning Markell will likely get the pick.

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