American service members remain in danger amid sectarian violence in Iraq and Afghanistan, the unstable North Korean regime has tested a nuclear weapon and Iran is seeking ingredients that can be converted to nuclear armaments.

Against this backdrop, we need experienced, sensible members of Congress who will help defend and guide our country.

We believe Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Talent and Democratic U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton offer that experience and common sense.

Talent consistently has supported increased defense spending to protect our troops and has co-sponsored military health care legislation.

On the domestic front, he co-sponsored important anti-methamphetamine legislation.

A testament to his willingness to reach across the aisle is that his co-sponsors on those proposals are among the Senate's most liberal Democrats - Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Dianne Feinstein of California.

His commitment to agriculture is reflected in endorsements by the Missouri Farm Bureau and state associations representing corn and soybean growers, cattlemen, dairy farmers and pork producers.

Skelton, who serves the state's 4th District, has demonstrated his support for a strong military during his 30 years in Congress.

The senior Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee is a widely acknowledged expert on military matters. He has visited U.S. troops serving in Iraq and other trouble spots across the globe.

A resident of Lexington who represents a largely rural district, Skelton recently was honored with the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for his support of family farms.

Congress recently has come under fire, justifiably, because of the excesses and foibles of some of its members.

Talent and Skelton, however, have served with honor and distinction. They deserve re-election on Nov. 7 to represent Missourians in the U.S. Congress.