WASHINGTON (November 8, 2012)--The White House is making the high-stakes "fiscal cliff" its top priority after the election, underscoring just how crucial resolving the pending tax increases and spending cuts is, not just to the economy, but also in setting the tone for President Barack Obama's second term.

Mr. Obama is simultaneously weighing replacements for high-profile Cabinet members and advisers.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton both want to leave, but both have indicated some willingness to push their departures back into next year, or at least until their successors are confirmed.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is also expected to retire next year.