Republicans believe strongly in property rights

... unless the property happens to be yours:

Chris Christie Rips Off Monty Python, Risks Copyright Infringement

Jackson Brown v. John McCain

Heart to Sarah Palin: Quit Playing 'Barracuda'

Aerosmith to House GOP: Don't Use Our Song

Satire, Parody, and Copyright: Republican Govs Ape NYT’s Format netting a cease and desist order.

Dont' Worry, Be Happy: The song was used in George H. W. Bush's 1988 U.S. presidential election campaign until McFerrin, who was a Democrat, objected and the campaign desisted.

I guess it's always easier to defennd a lawsuit beg forgiveness than it is to ask for permission?