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With his election loss behind him, John McCain has found a new opponent in Jackson Browne. After Browne sued the Republican candidate back in August for using “Running on Empty” without permission in a campaign ad, McCain has fired back in court with a pair of 20-page motions. First, McCain seeks to dismiss the charges, citing “fair use” of a song with “an acknowledged cliché” for a title. McCain’s lawyers also say that their use of the song likely increased the popularity of the 30-year-old song than damaged its commercial potential. In a second motion that adds insult to Browne’s injury, McCain’s lawyers are seeking monetary damages, accusing Browne of attempting to “chill” McCain’s free speech. Team McCain is seeking attorney fees and similar costs. While the trial may seem like an afterthought to the election, it could determine the future of music use in political campaigns and whether or not Sarah Palin will be allowed to use “Barracuda” in 2012.
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