Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie is criticizing a newspaper ad bought by the Mufi Hannemann campaign that features laudatory remarks by U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye.

The ad was published Sunday in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

It quotes Hannemann, a Democrat, being praised by Inouye at a 2009 dinner. It also uses a portion of a letter Akaka sent Hannemann in conjunction with a 2008 banquet.

Abercrombie said in a statement Sunday the ad creates the “false impression” that the senators are endorsing Hannemann.

A subsequent statement from Hannemann spokeswoman Carolyn Tanaka says the quotes are accurate and both senators were aware of the ad.

Aides to both senators say they remain neutral in the race.