Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie has criticized a two-page newspaper advertisement that he said leaves the false impression that his opponent in the Democratic primary for governor, former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, is endorsed by U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka.

The Hannemann ad, which ran in the Star-Advertiser on Sunday, includes testimonials about Hannemann from the two senators and several other Hawaii leaders. Inouye, who urged Hannemann to run, has said he is officially neutral in the primary. Akaka is also neutral.

"In today’s newspaper, Mufi Hannemann ran an ad that creates the false impression that Sen. Inouye and Sen. Akaka have endorsed him for governor. Both senators have said they are remaining neutral in the Democratic primary," Abercrombie said in a statement on Sunday. "It’s yet another political game meant to confuse voters. In six days, the people of Hawaii will have an opportunity to reject politics-as-usual when they cast their ballots. I am confident that the people will move Hawaii in a new direction."

Carolyn Tanaka, a spokeswoman for the Hannemann campaign, said the previous statements from Inouye and Akaka about the former mayor speak for themselves.

"These are exact quotes of statements made by both our senators. Both senators were aware the ad was going to run today. The statements stand and speak for themselves," she said. "We’re grateful that they feel as they do and are most appreciative to both of them."