Former Kansas Attorney General Steve Six is gaining some powerful support as his nomination for a federal judgeship nears a critical vote.

President Barack Obama nominated Six for the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He would replace retired Judge Deanell Tacha, for whom Six clerked early in his career.

Tacha has written the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee urging Six’s confirmation. Twenty-nine state attorneys general signed a letter touting Six’s professionalism and judgment.

The Senate panel is expected to take up the nomination Thursday. Six is a Democrat, and his Republican home-state senators have refused to back him. He has also faced opposition from anti-abortion groups.

Former Kansas Attorney General Bob Stephan, a Republican, also sent a letter saying Six never let politics interfere with his responsibilities.