He then served as assistant deputy administrator and director of energy in the United States Department of Agriculture between 1972 and 1974.

His nearest opponent was fellow state senator Joe Schwarz, a considerably more moderate Republican.

Smith was a relatively low-profile congressman for most of his career, compiling a reliably conservative voting record despite representing a fairly marginal district.

Smith stated that members of the House Republican leadership told him that if he voted for the Medicare bill, business interests would give $100,000 to his son's campaign.

Ultimately, Brad Smith was defeated in the Republican primary by Schwarz, who was elected in November.