Tom Petty Tells Michelle Bachmann to "Turn Down the Music"

Use of popular tracks for poll campaigning is not new, but sometimes the politicians tend to overlook the small matter of copyright.

Recently, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann used Tom Petty & The Hearbreaker’s popular 1977 number, American Girl  during a campaign stop in Iowa.

Petty was not happy about the usage, and his management has already issued a cease-and-desist order against the Minnesota Republican, according to pollstar.com.

Earlier, Petty had objected to George W Bush using his ‘Won’t Back Down’ in his 2000 campaign. Although he approved Hilary Clinton using the same for her Presidential run in 2008.

A cease and desist order is not always an effective end of the issue. There are times when a singer endorses the use of a particular song, but the copyright is held by someone else. Other times the lyrics are changed somewhat and the song is used as a parody. Some politicians just sue without permission risking a court case.

President Ronald Reagan used Bruce Springsteen’s famous anthem, ‘Born In The USA’ in his presidential run in 1984 and his people claimed endorsement from the singer for his run. But Springsteen was quick to distance himself from Reagan and actually endorsed the opposition candidate.

Don Henley of the Eagles fame sued Chuck De Vore for using his 'All She Wants to Do Is Dance’ as ‘All she wants to Do Is Tax’ in the 2009 campaign against Democrat Senator Barbara Boxer. DeVore claimed it was a parody but the court rejected the claim.

The list of such infringements is endless.

Such legal battles will continue till politicians and the people running their campaign get official endorsement from the artists or possibly just write their own songs or slogans.

Ames Straw Poll Will be Telling

If it hasn't already, Presidential politics will kick into high gear August 13.  That is the date of the Ames Straw Poll, held on the campus of Iowa State University.

Candidates are already preparing for the big event.

In a bit of a surprise, Texas Rep. Ron Paul has won the rights for the premier lot at the Ames Republican Presidential Straw Poll, set for August 13.

The Texas Republican and current Republican presidential candidate purchased the key spot with a $31,000 payment, outbidding rivals.

“The congressman is interested in getting in front of Iowans,” said A.J. Spiker, vice chairman of Mr. Paul’s Iowa campaign. “He realizes Iowa is extremely important to the presidential cycle and that Iowans have a very special position to the presidential process.”

Mr. Paul’s bid allows his supporters to show support for Mr. Paul’s presidential campaign outside of the Iowa State University arena where the poll, which serves as both a political convention and a major poll, takes place.

The bidding for the polling location comes as Mr. Paul performed poorly in a Des Moines Register Poll released Sunday. The Texas Republican received just 7 percent support, a figure in line with recent polling data.

Looks like there are more question surrounding Newt Gingrich's off again, on again campaign.
Gingrich, who was viewed as a serious contender for the nomination, announced Sunday that his campaign would not compete in the Ames Straw Poll, a sign that Mr. Gingrich’s presidential campaign may be on its last heels. The Georgia Republican has experienced a string of departures from key campaign staff in recent weeks and is said to be struggling to raise funds from supporters.

Look for candidates Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty to put a lot of effort into performing well in Ames.

Weiner to Resign

Reports are saying disgraced Congressman Anthony Weiner is now prepared to step down.

He is telling this to close friends and relatives.

" More updates to come...

Update on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11:36AM by Rick C.Limpert

Weiner has planned a news conference for 2:00 p.m ET Thursday afternoon in the New York City area to announce his resignation.

The scandal had become a distraction for House Democrats, who had raised pressure on Weiner to resign in recent days after he admitted June 6 to exchanging lewd photos and messages with women he met online.

Weiner late Wednesday told House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of his plan to step down Thursday, two Democratic aides told CBS News. Pelosi had called for his resignation Saturday and President Obama weighed in late Monday, saying if it were him, he would resign. House Speaker John Boehner called for his resignation Tuesday.

Atlanta Mayor Weighs in on Weiner Scandal

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed called for troubledRep. Anthony Weiner to resign during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday.

"It's very bad for Democrats," Reed said. "I believe the Congressman should resign so we can move on."
Rep. Weiner said on Saturday that he plans to take a leave of absence for treatment after admitting he sent inappropriate messages to several women through his Twitter account.

Reed made his second appearance of the year on "Meet the Press," appearing as a member of the political round table.

On Rep. Weiner:
"We need to be talking about creating jobs. That's not happening. We're having a conversation about the Congressman."

A Leave of Absence for Weiner

Congressman Anthony Weiner is yet to resign in a sexting scandal, but it was announced Saturday he was entering professional treatment at an undisclosed location and requested a leave of absence from Congress.

An aide for the embattled New York lawmaker made the disclosure in a statement shortly after several Democratic party leaders demanded he quit for exchanging messages and photos ranging from sexually suggestive to explicit with several women online.

"This sordid affair has become an unacceptable distraction for Representative Weiner, his family, his constituents and the House," Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the party chairwoman, said in a written statement calling for the 46-year-old married lawmaker to step down.

The House Democratic leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, said Weiner "has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents and the recognition that he needs help. I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a member of Congress."

Aides said later that Pelosi had been aware of Weiner's plan to enter treatment when she issued her statement, and her call for a resignation had not changed because of it.