Pretending to be a princess is fun, but it is definitely not a career.

The truth is that since childhood I had cultivated an existential independence. It came from perceiving the adults around me as unreliable, and without it I felt I wouldn't have survived. I cared deeply for everyone in my family, but in the end I depended on myself.

I was a keen observer and listener. I picked up on clues. I figured things out logically, and I enjoyed puzzles. I loved the clear, focused feeling that came when I concentrated on solving a problem and everything else faded out.

I think being a Catholic made me a better person. It taught me how to choose good over evil, and how to be a more caring human being.

I strive never to forget the real world consequences of my decisions on individuals, businesses and government.

There are no bystanders in this life.

All I can say is that with business and the interest of any party before me, I will consider and apply the law as it is written by Congress and informed by precedent.