Posted by Emily Kane, Senior Legislative Assistant

Growing-up, we are regularly reminded to say thank you when thanks are due. Justice Alito has followed suit: on March 1st the Associated Press reported that Justice Alito sent a note (below) to religious right leader Dr. James Dobson, thanking Focus on the Family for its support throughout his nomination process.

Say whatever one might, the nicety could be dismissed, save but one line, “As long as I serve on the Supreme Court I will keep in mind the trust that has been placed in me.” If Justice Alito is referring to the trust of our country, it is one thing. If he is speaking to a more narrow audience of Focus on the Family members and those who share its views, that is a horse of a different color…
Here is the text of Justice Alito's letter to Dr. Dobson, which Dr. Dobson read on air:

Dear Dr. Dobson:
This is just a short note to express my heartfelt thanks to you
and the entire staff of Focus on the Family for your help and
support during the past few challenging months.

I would also greatly appreciate it if you would convey my
appreciation to the good people from all parts of the country who
wrote to tell me that they were praying for me and for my family
during this period.

As I said when I spoke at my formal investiture at the White
House last week, the prayers of so many people from around the
country were a palpable and powerful force.

As long as I serve on the Supreme Court I will keep in mind the
trust that has been placed in me.

I hope that we'll have the opportunity to meet personally at
some point in the future.

In the meantime my entire family and I hope that you and the
Focus on the Family staff know how we appreciate all that you have
done.

Sincerely yours,
Samuel Alito