This is in response to the vitriolic editorial attack on Sen. John Nutting, March 6.

As the nation’s economic situation worsens daily, it’s unarguably necessary that people scrutinize carefully every dollar spent in all public sectors, including medical institutions. Since the editorial writer obviously had no qualms about researching and publicizing Nutting’s financial status, I strongly urge research into the possibility of wasteful spending by medical communities in the area of advertising. I refer specifically to Central Maine Medical Center, Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospital. The public has been the target of too many television ads promoting private, hot-tub-equipped maternity suites, and full-color newspaper ads extolling the glories of the local hospitals and their staffs.

One of Nutting’s primary concerns has been to rein in wasteful spending, wherever it rears its ugly head. From the beginning, I have watched his dedication to that goal. I doubt neither his vigor nor his integrity (I know whereof I speak; I am his mother). His constituents have always expressed their appreciation for his aggressive stand on unnecessary spending.

Costs for medical care are astronomical. People struggle to pay for their own care, as well as the care provided to thousands of Mainers who cannot afford health insurance. Why should the medical community, or the Sun Journal, object to shining a light on what was referred to as “petty complaints?”

I have never met primary-care physicians who choose cardiac surgeons or oncology specialists from newspaper or television ads.

Katharine J. McNear, Leeds