Topeka ? Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback acknowledges that abortion opponents are upset with him for not opposing Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ nomination as U.S. secretary of health and human services.

But he told the Topeka Capital-Journal for a story published Friday that “there’s a practicality” to his decision.

Brownback is a strong abortion opponent, and Sebelius is a strong abortion rights supporter. The most vocal opposition to her appointment by President Barack Obama has come from anti-abortion groups.

But Brownback called Sebelius talented and said anyone Obama picked would support abortion rights, as Obama does. He said it’s therefore better to have a Kansan in the job.

But he added that he expects to fight with Sebelius on several major policy issues.