Despite his previous misgivings, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said Wednesday that he will vote for education secretary nominee Betsy DeVos, handing the businesswoman and philanthropist much-needed support as a tight confirmation vote nears.

In a lengthy statement, Moran, a Kansas Republican, said he had a number of serious concerns about DeVos — concerns echoed by Kansas educators and parents he has heard from in recent weeks.

They included the threat of a federally mandated voucher program, insufficient enforcement and funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Moran’s belief that the federal government should play a limited role in education. Moran and DeVos met Wednesday to discuss those concerns.

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Midday Minute for Feb. 2, 2017.

“Ms. DeVos confirmed to me that there will be no federally-mandated voucher program in the state of Kansas,” Moran said in a statement. “She reassured me that the state, local districts and school boards will retain their important role in administering our schools and determining our students’ curriculum.”

DeVos agreed with Moran on the need for a fully funded Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Republican senator said, and believes local control in education is important.

“Though I began our meeting unconvinced, I now expect to support her nomination knowing that, as secretary of education, Ms. DeVos will be working to make certain that all Kansas students are better off and that educational decisions are made by those who understand the unique needs of Kansas kids: educators, administrators and parents at the local level,” Moran said.

Two Republicans have made clear they won’t vote for DeVos, leaving her with just 50 affirmative votes if no Democrats or independents support her. A 50-50 tie in the Senate would be decided by Vice President Mike Pence.

If Moran had defected or if another Republican does, DeVos will become the first Cabinet nominee rejected by the Senate since defense secretary nominee John Tower in 1988.

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, Kansas’ senior senator and a Republican, has made clear since mid-January that he supports DeVos. He said in a statement Tuesday that he looks forward to working with her.

“The president and his team fully understand that a one-size-fits-all education system just does not work,” Roberts said. “I have spoken with Mrs. DeVos numerous times, and I am confident she is the right person for the job.”

That same day, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted 12-11 along party lines to send DeVos’ nomination to the full Senate. Roberts, who sits on the committee, voted in favor.

Senate switchboards have been flooded as constituents across the country have sought to express their opinions on President Donald Trump’s nominees. Roberts tweeted a photo Monday of him answering a constituent’s call. Moran said Wednesday that, because of a high volume of calls, he is urging constituents to email him if they are unable to get through.

The Kansas affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers has urged its members and supporters to call Moran and persuade him to vote against DeVos. Despite Moran’s statement of support, AFT Kansas said Thursday morning that it isn’t too late to convince him otherwise.