(CNN) The family of John McCain, who died last month after a yearlong battle with brain cancer, rebuked the National Republican Congressional Committee on Wednesday for airing an ad in Arizona that uses video of the late senator to attack a Democratic nominee in a contested House race.

"The McCain family believes it is unfortunate that the Senator's image is being weaponized this election season," said Julie Tarallo, spokeswoman for the family. "And they would hope there would be more respect, especially so soon after his passing."

The ad from the National Republican Congressional Committee, airing in Arizona's 2nd Congressional District, uses straight to camera footage from McCain's successful 2016 run against Ann Kirkpatrick, who was at the time challenging the Republican's Arizona Senate seat. In the video, McCain faults Kirkpatrick for not opposing higher taxes and federal spending.

"Ann Kirkpatrick won't oppose higher taxes, she won't oppose more federal spending and she won't oppose increased debts that slow economic growth," McCain says.

A narrator then jumps in: "In 2016, Senator McCain warned us. ... Arizona rejected Kirkpatrick before. It is time to do it again."

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