The Times endorses the re-election of Rep. Adam Smith, well placed for Washington, the nation

SERIOUS remedial work on the federal budget deficit has to start with the Pentagon and U.S. military spending. Rep. Adam Smith from Washington's 9th District is well placed to take a lead role.

Long experience on the Armed Services Committee has served his district and the state well. He represents a north-south swath of Washington that includes Puyallup, Federal Way, parts of Tacoma, Lakewood and Steilacoom, and is home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The breadth of military interests from skilled personnel to high-tech equipment crosses his district and congressional turf — the health and welfare of service members and their families, and the local economic stake in major acquisitions.

Smith's challenge in an eighth term is to balance bringing home the bacon and eliminating budgetary pork. He can help his party and the nation make those seemingly mutually exclusive tough calls.

Key among the savings to be found is an end to two U.S. wars abroad. Smith is strongly endorsed for re-election in part because he has the capacity to help make that happen.

Republican challenger Dick Muri, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, serves on the Pierce County Council. His public service is appreciated, but there is no compelling reason for voters not to return Smith to Congress.

The nation's problems are too great, and Smith's experience and seniority are too valuable to squander.