Charlie Crist has apparently learned nothing from his buddy and former presidential hopeful John McCain’s "Running on Empty" copyright fumble back in 2008. The Florida Governor and former Floridian Senator, Attorney General, and Education Commissioner recently went ahead and privileged himself to the Talking Head’s ’85 single, "Road To Nowhere." Mr. Crist used the song in one of his campaign ads for his race for Florida senator without permission from the song’s owner, Talking Head’s frontman and primary songwriter, David Byrne.

David Bryne, a Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee was both outraged and spurned to action by this blatant disregard for the law. Said Byrne in his online journal, “I am bringing a lawsuit against the Governor of Florida.” He goes on to explain that he has never granted permission for the use of any of his songs in advertisements. His music is important and means something to him, and he feels as if using it to “sell a product(or a politician),” takes meaning away from a song. Byrne also thoroughly explained how the use of his voice and his song to promote Mr. Crist insinuated that he was endorsing and supporting the beliefs and opinions of Mr. Crist and/or the Republican Party. As such, it was not only theft, but disrespectful towards Byrne, AND his own beliefs and values. Sorry Charlie, it would seem you poked the wasps’ nest with this slip up.

Bryne has hired attorney Lawrence Iser to sue Crist and his campaign team for a settlement of a million dollars. Iser was the same lawyer who represented Jackson Browne in 2008 when McCain similarly used his song "Running on Empty" without permission for use in an ad. During said case, the Republican National Committee made a promise to not disrespect artists' rights in the future. Sadly, it would seem that promise was empty.

And what does Crist have to say for himself? Well, an official remark has yet to be made. But we think someone has some apologizing to do. What was he thinking using a noted lefty’s music to further his righty agenda? It’s no wonder the dog got his nose scratched.