Newark - Following anin-depthdiscussionwith Judge Patty Shwartzearlier today, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez announced that he will support her nomination to serve on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Today's meeting came as a result of a letter the Senator received Wednesday evening from Judge Shwartz, requesting an opportunity to interview again with him regarding her nomination.

"After anin-depthdiscussion today with Judge Patty Shwartz, I am pleased to announce that I am supporting her nomination to serve on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals," said Menendez from his office in Newark, New Jersey. "Judge Shwartz satisfactorily answered questions covering important legal topics such as current law on the rights of corporations under the First Amendment, constitutional limits on Executive Branch power and the application of heightened standards of review under the Constitution. She adequately allayed my earlier concerns and I will be returning my Blue Slip."

Menendez further expressed his appreciation of certain members of the federal bar who provided him their insights saying, "I am grateful to members of the federal bar whom I respect greatly -- Gerry Krovatin, James Cecchi and John Vazquez - for sharing their positive insights regarding Judge Shwartz's abilities."

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