Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne filed a lawsuit in August, 2008, against presidential candidate John McCain and the Republican National Committee for using his 1977 hit song "Running on Empty" in a campaign ad without permission.MSNBC: Jackson Browne Sues Mccain over Song Use (August 14, 2008) In November, the McCain campaign responded by asking first that the lawsuit be dismissed, and secondly that because the candidate was engaging in "political speech" and not "commercial speech," Browne's lawsuit was an attempt to stifle free speech.MSNBC: John McCain Fights Back Vs. Jackson Browne (November 20, 2008)

"We have sued the Ohio Republican Party as well, and we have been informed and believe that McCain and his campaign were well aware of the ad. We are also informed and believe that the ad was broadcast on television in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The fact that it appears on the Internet means it also reaches an audience well beyond those states."Los Angeles Times: Jackson Browne Sues Sen. John McCain for... (August 15, 2008)—Lawrence Y. Iser