Washington ? Sen. Sam Brownback is trying to arrange a meeting with Atty. Gen. Alberto Gonzales this week to explore his views on the Constitution in the event Gonzales is nominated to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Kansas Republican, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and abortion opponent, said Tuesday his request was prompted by concerns about where Gonzales stands on constitutional issues.

“There have been so many concerns about him and I thought I’d meet with him before he’s a nominee to discuss his views,” Brownback said. “I’d like to know if he views the Constitution as a living document or is it something you stay within the text of the document.”

Justice Department spokeswoman Tasia Scolinos said no meeting has been set.

Gonzales, a former Texas Supreme Court judge and longtime friend of President Bush, has been mentioned as a top contender for the high court. But several Republican-leaning groups have complained that he is not conservative enough.

During his confirmation hearing for attorney general earlier this year, Gonzales upset abortion foes when he called the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion the “law of the land” and promised to enforce it.

Brownback acknowledged that Gonzales may not grant the unusual request, but he said it may be easier to have a candid discussion now than after any nomination occurs. Brownback said he would not pose specific questions on abortion because “I don’t think that’s where we are in the process.”

Brownback has not requested meetings with any other potential nominees.