The family of the late Sen. John McCain is disappointed in a new GOP political ad released Wednesday, according to a report.
“The McCain family believes it is unfortunate that the senator’s image is being weaponized this election season,” Julie Tarallo, a spokeswoman for the Arizona Republican’s family, told CNN Wednesday. “And they would hope there would be more respect, especially so soon after his passing.”
The ad, cut by the National Republican Congressional Committee, attacks Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick, who is running in a tight race for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District. The seat is held by Rep. Martha McSally, who is vying to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.
The spot features clips of McCain criticizing Kirkpatrick’s positions on taxes and federal spending when the two were competing for a place in the Senate in 2016.
“In 2016, Senator McCain warned us,” the voiceover continues. “Arizona rejected Kirkpatrick before. It is time to do it again.”
The NRCC did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner, but told CNN the ad “speaks for itself.”
Another McCain ad by the NRCC aired in Michigan on Wednesday, Politico reported. That spot hits Elissa Slotkin, a former Obama administration official seeking election in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, using footage from Senate testimony she provided in 2014.
McCain additionally appears in an ad supporting Democrat Tom Malinowski, who is contesting New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. McCain’s remarks were taken from Malinowski’s Senate confirmation to become U.S. assistant secretary of state during the Obama presidency.
Malinowski, however, asked McCain’s family for permission before adapting his statements.
McCain died Aug. 25 at the age of 81 from brain cancer.
