Don Henley, seen here performing in 2007, says Republican politician Charles DeVore is 'exploiting' two of his songs in campaign ads that were posted on YouTube. (Gus Ruelas/Associated Press)

Rocker Don Henley is suing a Republican politician for using two of his songs in campaign ads that appeared on YouTube.

The Eagles singer and solo artist has filed for copyright infringement against Charles DeVore for "exploiting" The Boys of Summer and All She Wants To Do Is Dance.

"The infringers have vowed to continue exploiting this and other copyrighted works, as it suits them, to further their own ambitions and agenda," a spokesperson for Henley told the Guardian newspaper.

Both songs were allegedly used on videos posted on the video-sharing site, with the latter used in an attack ad on Democratic hopeful Barbara Boxer. In that satirical video, Devore rewrote the song as All She Wants To Do is Tax.

DeVore, a California state assemblyman, is running against Boxer in 2010 for a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Henley had demanded YouTube take down the videos, which was done recently, but the videos were reportedly reposted after DeVore complained.

YouTube then told Henley that it would only take the videos down if he filed a copyright claim, which the musician did on April 18.

DeVore remains unbowed and says he will file a counter-claim, citing First Amendment protection for free speech.

"While the legal issues play out, it's time to up the ante on Mr. Henley's liberal goon tactics," said DeVore.

Jackson Browne takes McCain to court over song

Henley's claim is the latest in a string of complaints from American musicians who have objected to the use of their music in last year's U.S. election.

Heart, Van Halen, Foo Fighters and John Mellencamp complained about the use of their music in the John McCain and Sarah Palin campaign.

Jackson Browne filed suit against John McCain for using his 1977 hit Running on Empty in an ad that attacked Barack Obama. Browne is seeking $75,000 US in compensation.

The musician is a Democrat who performed at concerts in support of John Kerry during his presidential race in 2004 and backed John Edwards as Democratic presidential candidate in 2008. He has also donated money to Democratic presidential campaigns.

Lawyers for McCain filed a counter-claim in December, saying the 72-year-old politician was legally allowed to use the track because he was not seeking to gain profit from it. They're calling for a dismissal of the case.