Thomas urges Americans to work together on woes

With the U.S. heading into a hotly contested election in a strongly partisan atmosphere, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas called on Americans to put aside their differences and work together to solve the nation's problems.

Thomas, who grew up in Georgia, chatted with members of a group attending a Friday night awards banquet at the University of Georgia and said he hopes to return to the school next spring to teach a weeklong course in constitutional law.

Thomas also revealed that he plans to leave his papers to the school.

In his speech, Thomas said the nation's leaders need to stop criticizing each other and work on finding solutions to social issues, economic problems and Iraq.