As I mentioned, things were particularly hard during the Depression. My paternal grandfather was frequently out of work, and the family was evicted from their home.

If I'm confirmed I'll be myself.

After law school, I had the opportunity to clerk for a tremendous judge, Leonard I. Garth, on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, the court to which I was appointed in 1990.

I am especially indebted to a 10th grade English teacher who encouraged me to read great works of literature.

When I was sworn in as a judge of the court of appeals, I took an oath. I put my hand on the Bible and I swore that I would administer justice without respect to persons, that I would do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I would carry out my duties under the Constitution and the laws of the United States.

My grandparents came worked hard, and I believe they never regretted their decision to come here and make a new start.

Part of me wanted to get a graduate degree in political science. Had I done that, I suppose I would have become a college professor.