(AP Photo)
Jackson Browne doesn't want John McCain running on anything fueled by his lyrics. The singer-songwriter sued McCain and the Ohio and national Republican committees in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Thursday, accusing them of exploitation his song "Running on Empty" without his permission.
The lawsuit claims the song's use was an violation of his copyright and will lead people to conclude he endorses McCain. The suit says Browne is a lifelong giving who is as well-known for his music as for existence "an advocate for social and environmental justice."
The advertizement mocks Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's contention that if U.S. drivers got regular tuneups and drove on in good order inflated tires, they could save the same amount of vegetable oil that would be gained by seaward drilling. According to the suit, "Running on Empty" plays in the background of the ad criticizing the remarks.
Robert Bennett, chair of the Ohio party, said the ad was pulled when Browne objected. He called the case a "big to-do around nothing."
McCain spokesman Brian Rogers disavowed the ad, expression it wasn't a product of the Republican presidential candidate's campaign.
Browne's lawsuit contends the Ohio Republican party released the ad on behalf of McCain and the RNC. The RNC did not return a phone call seeking comment.
The suit notes that other musicians, including ABBA and John Cougar Mellencamp, have asked McCain to stop using their work.
Browne's attorney, Lawrence Iser, called the ad's usage of the song "reprehensible."
The 59-year-old isaac Merrit Singer claims his reputation has already been damaged and is quest more than $75,000 in damages.
Browne released "Running on Empty" � the song and an record album by the same name � in 1977. According to the lawsuit, the album has sold more than than 7 million copies.
Browne's financial success has aided Democratic candidates over the years. Campaign finance records show he contributed $2,300 to Obama's presidential campaign net year and $2,000 to the Illinois senator's campaign coffers in 2004.
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