CHARLESTON, S.C. - Republican Gov. Mark Sanford wants Democratic state Senate candidate Justin Kahn to withdraw a TV ad that includes a photo of the men standing together.

Sanford says the picture gives voters the impression he supports Kahn when he actually backs incumbent Republican Sen. Glenn McConnell.

"It suggests a relationship that doesn't exist," Sanford said.

Kahn said the commercial is designed to show he can work with politicians from both sides. The ad also features Kahn with Charleston's Democratic Mayor Joe Riley.

Kahn has no plans to pull the ad.

Sanford said Kahn didn't identify himself before, during or after the photograph was taken.

The governor said he is protective when his image is used for unauthorized political purposes.

"We can't make anybody do anything," Sanford said. "But if he had asked me if he could run this ad to run against Glenn McConnell, I would have said no."

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.charleston.net/