Bennington County Democratic Committee Urges Opposition to Drescher Supreme Court Nomination

Vermont Supreme Court appointee Michael Drescher speak before the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Jan. 13, 2026. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

Bennington, VT — The Executive Committee of the Bennington County Democratic Committee has formally urged Bennington County’s State Senators, Seth Bongartz and Rob Plunkett, to vote against the confirmation of Michael Drescher to serve as an Associate Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court.

In a letter sent to both senators, the Executive Committee emphasized its respect for the seriousness of judicial confirmation votes and acknowledged that multiple nominations are currently before the Senate, including that of Christina Nolan. However, the Committee made clear that the nomination of Michael Drescher raises uniquely grave concerns that go to the heart of Vermont’s commitment to constitutional rights, due process, and judicial independence.

The Committee’s opposition centers on Mr. Drescher’s actions while serving as acting head of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont. In that role, he chose to defend the federal government’s detention of lawful residents who were arrested solely for exercising their First Amendment rights. These detentions occurred without due process and were later rejected by Vermont’s federal courts.

The Executive Committee stressed that service on Vermont’s highest court requires more than professional competence. It requires demonstrated independence, moral clarity, and the courage to uphold constitutional protections even when doing so carries professional or personal risk. Prosecutors, acting on behalf of the state, wield extraordinary power over individual liberty. When that power is used to suppress speech or bypass due process, those entrusted with enforcing the law have an obligation to refuse participation.

“At a time when civil liberties and democratic norms are facing sustained national challenge, Vermont must hold its judiciary to the highest possible standard,” the Committee wrote. “Our Supreme Court must be composed of jurists who have shown a clear and consistent commitment to protecting fundamental rights.”

For these reasons, the Executive Committee of the Bennington County Democratic Committee strongly opposes Michael Drescher’s confirmation and has urged its State Senators to vote no.

The full letter to Senators Bongartz and Plunkett is available below.