Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced Friday that he will support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, clearing the way for him to lead the Justice Department in a permanent capacity. According to CBS News.

Cassidy’s Support Boosts Blanche’s Chances

“Mr. Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr. Blanche,” Cassidy said in remarks on the Senate floor announcing his support. “It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump and who indeed may not be as good as Mr. Blanche.” According to CBS News.

With Cassidy’s backing, Blanche is expected to clinch his confirmation for attorney general, though by a narrow margin. While Republicans control the Senate, Blanche could only afford to lose the votes of two GOP senators and still win approval for the role of the nation’s top law enforcement official given Sen. Mitch McConnell’s absence. According to NBC News.

Republican Opposition and Democratic Rejection

Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska had already announced their plans to oppose Blanche, making Cassidy the decisive vote. All Democrats are expected to vote against Blanche for attorney general. According to CBS News.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, came out Friday against Blanche, joining fellow centrist Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, to oppose the president’s choice. With Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., out indefinitely, and Democrats expected to vote no, a third GOP opponent would have blocked the nomination. According to NBC News.

“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration. I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case,” Murkowski said in a statement. According to NBC News.

White House Response and Senate Floor Statements

Cassidy’s decision is likely to be decisive in helping Blanche get confirmed to the powerful job. While he’s “concerned about episodes of apparent lawfare,” Cassidy said, “even critics admit that Mr. Blanche knows the law and is a hands-on administrator.” According to NBC News.

The White House welcomed Cassidy’s decision. “This is great news and we look forward to his final confirmation shortly,” White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said in a statement. “Todd Blanche has done an excellent job as acting Attorney General and will continue doing so as Attorney General.” According to NBC News.

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy said Friday that he will support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, clearing the way for his narrow confirmation to the high-profile role. Cassidy, who was speaking on the Senate floor, appeared to choke up while announcing the decision. According to CNN.

“All considered, I will vote for Mr. Blanche. I’ll be criticized for this vote. What’s new?” Cassidy said in a floor speech after outlining concerns he said he weighed. According to NBC News.