Singer sues Ohio GOP

Singer sues Ohio GOP

LOS ANGELES — 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 using his song “Running on Empty” without his permission.

The lawsuit claims the song’s use was an infringement of his copyright and will lead people to conclude he endorses McCain. The suit says Browne is a lifelong liberal.

The advertisement mocks Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s contention that if U.S. drivers got regular tuneups and drove on properly inflated tires, they could save the same amount of oil that would be gained by offshore drilling. According to the suit, “Running on Empty” plays in the background, criticizing the remarks.

Robert Bennett, chairman of the Ohio party, said the ad was pulled when Browne objected.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Fess Parker is 84. Actor Robert Culp is 78. Sportscaster Frank Gifford is 78. Singer Eydie Gorme is 77. TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford is 55. Director James Cameron (“Titanic,” “The Terminator”) is 54. Actress Angela Bassett is 50. Singer Madonna is 50. Actor Timothy Hutton is 48. Actor Steve Carell is 45. Singer Vanessa Carlton is 28.