Not in tune with Huckabee

CONCORD, N.H. —  The chief songwriter and founder of the band Boston has more than a feeling that he’s being ripped off by Mike Huckabee.

In a letter to the Republican presidential hopeful, Tom Scholz says that Huckabee is using his 1970s hit “More Than a Feeling” without his permission. A former member of the band, Barry Goudreau, has appeared with Huckabee at events, and they have played the song with Huckabee’s band, Capitol Offense.

Scholz, who said Goudreau left the band more than 25 years ago after a three-year stint, objects to the implication that the band has endorsed Huckabee’s candidacy.

“Boston has never endorsed a political candidate, and with all due respect, would not start by endorsing a candidate who is the polar opposite of most everything Boston stands for,” wrote Scholz, adding that he is supporting Democratic Sen. Barack Obama. “By using my song, and my band’s name Boston, you have taken something of mine and used it to promote ideas to which I am opposed. In other words, I think I’ve been ripped off, dude!”

Fred Bramante, who was chairman of Huckabee’s New Hampshire campaign, called the allegations ridiculous.

“Gov. Huckabee plays ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ Does that mean Lynyrd Skynyrd is endorsing him? He plays ‘Louie Louie.’ Does that mean the Kingsmen are endorsing him? To me, it’s ridiculous,” he said.

Scholz, in a telephone interview Friday, said he understood that “More Than a Feeling” was a centerpiece at some rallies and that Goudreau was identified with the band in an endorsement video. “Whenever a campaign publicly exploits a well-known song, there is some inference of support” by the band or artist, he added.

Last week, John McCain’s campaign agreed to stop playing John Mellencamp’s songs “Our Country” and “Pink Houses” at his rallies after the liberal rocker complained.

On the other hand, Celine Dion said she was “thrilled” that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton used her song “You and I” as her campaign anthem.