Washington ? Kansas’ senior senator is bucking anti-abortion opposition to support fellow Kansan Kathleen Sebelius for health and human services secretary.

Republican Sam Brownback issued a statement Tuesday night saying he would support President Barack Obama’s nominee despite “profound policy differences.”

Brownback, a staunch social conservative who’s running to replace Sebelius as Kansas governor in 2010, had been under pressure from anti-abortion groups who oppose Sebelius because of her support for abortion rights. With his support, Sebelius, a Democrat, probably has a clear path to Senate confirmation.