Sen. Daniel Inouye says a Linda Lingle Campaign video is inspiring him to up his efforts to help her rival Mazie Hirono.

KITV4 News first told you about the controversial video last Friday, and now the senator is speaking out.

"At best, it's misleading," said Inouye.  "At worst, it's insulting."

Inouye says when he saw the campaign video tying him and Lingle, he was incensed.

"They must be desperate," said Inouye.  "I would have hoped that someone who's seeking a Senate seat, who has served Hawaii as a governor would have a bit more class than that."

Inouye added that during Lingle's time as governor, the two had limited contact, at best.

"She visited my Washington office once.  And my Honolulu office once.  Is that a sign of close friendship?" asked Inouye.

"I'm very sorry that Sen. Inouye feels that way," said Lingle Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

Lee says he made the video to clarify falsehoods from the Hirono Campaign.

"The Hirono Campaign alludes that you have to vote for me so that otherwise Sen. Inouye would lose his power," said Lee.  "But, I think we have seen over his 50 years in office, he has done a tremendous job."