Both of Gov. Phil Scott’s nominees to the Vermont Supreme Court have officially been confirmed by the Senate.Top video: See previous coverageChristina Nolan and Michael Drescher both formally served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.Nolan was confirmed 23-7 by the Senate.Drescher, meanwhile, was narrowly accepted, with Lt. Gov. John Rodgers casting the tie-breaking vote.Rodger’s decisive vote is the first time that a Vermont lieutenant governor has had to do so since 2019, according to Senate Sec. John Bloomer.The lieutenant governor serves as the president of the senate and holds the constitutional power to breaking tie votes. It is rare for the lieutenant governor to cast the tie breaking vote in Vermont, with this happening only several times in the past few years.Former Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman cast two tie-breaking votes during his tenure, including a vote on the Paid Family Leave bill in April 2019 and then again one week later on the Minimum wage Increase bill.Then-Lt. Gov. Phil Scott also cast two tie-breaking votes on the Physician-Assisted Death Amendment in February 2013 and again on the Motorcycle Helmet Penalty bill in April 2016.Rodgers issued the following statement about his tie-breaking vote:”As Governor Scott noted, ‘Making an appointment to the Vermont Supreme Court is one of the most important responsibilities for any Governor. Candidates whose names make it to my desk do not arrive without receiving three fourths majority from the Judicial Nominating Board (JNB) deeming the candidates well qualified to serve. And, as elected officials, we’re expected to do the same – stand up for what’s right, regardless of the pressure, because that’s what Vermonters expect us to do. Voting should be based on the character, integrity, and capabilities of the nominees, and the integrity and independence of our judicial branch, rather than the chaotic time we happen to be living in.'”And that is why I am proud to have presided over the bipartisan confirmations of outstanding public servants the likes of Michael Drescher and Christina Nolan. I have the utmost confidence they will serve all Vermonters with integrity and compassion.” NBC5’s James Maloney is in Montpelier and will have more on this beginning at 4 p.m. on television and online.
Both of Gov. Phil Scott’s nominees to the Vermont Supreme Court have officially been confirmed by the Senate.
Top video: See previous coverage
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Christina Nolan and Michael Drescher both formally served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Nolan was confirmed 23-7 by the Senate.
Drescher, meanwhile, was narrowly accepted, with Lt. Gov. John Rodgers casting the tie-breaking vote.
Rodger’s decisive vote is the first time that a Vermont lieutenant governor has had to do so since 2019, according to Senate Sec. John Bloomer.
The lieutenant governor serves as the president of the senate and holds the constitutional power to breaking tie votes. It is rare for the lieutenant governor to cast the tie breaking vote in Vermont, with this happening only several times in the past few years.
Former Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman cast two tie-breaking votes during his tenure, including a vote on the Paid Family Leave bill in April 2019 and then again one week later on the Minimum wage Increase bill.
Then-Lt. Gov. Phil Scott also cast two tie-breaking votes on the Physician-Assisted Death Amendment in February 2013 and again on the Motorcycle Helmet Penalty bill in April 2016.
Rodgers issued the following statement about his tie-breaking vote:
“As Governor Scott noted, ‘Making an appointment to the Vermont Supreme Court is one of the most important responsibilities for any Governor. Candidates whose names make it to my desk do not arrive without receiving three fourths majority from the Judicial Nominating Board (JNB) deeming the candidates well qualified to serve. And, as elected officials, we’re expected to do the same – stand up for what’s right, regardless of the pressure, because that’s what Vermonters expect us to do. Voting should be based on the character, integrity, and capabilities of the nominees, and the integrity and independence of our judicial branch, rather than the chaotic time we happen to be living in.’
“And that is why I am proud to have presided over the bipartisan confirmations of outstanding public servants the likes of Michael Drescher and Christina Nolan. I have the utmost confidence they will serve all Vermonters with integrity and compassion.”
NBC5’s James Maloney is in Montpelier and will have more on this beginning at 4 p.m. on television and online.
