Bon Jovi have become the latest band to criticise the Republican party for using songs without permission during the presidential race.

Frontman Bon Jovi said he was surprised to hear 'Who Says You Can't Go Home' used at a rally held by Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

The singer, who last month hosted a fundraiser for Democratic hopeful Barack Obama, said the group “do not approve” of the Republican party's actions.

In a statement to TMZ he said: "We wrote this song as a thank you to those who have supported us over the past 25 years.

“The song has since become a banner for our home state of New Jersey and the de facto theme song for our partnerships around the country to build homes and rebuild communities.

"Although we were not asked, we do not approve of their use of 'Home'."

In July, singer Jackson Browne launched a lawsuit against the Republican party claiming his 1977 song 'Running On Empty' had apepared in adverts for presidential candidate John McCain.

Eighties group Heart also called for the party to stop using their hit 'Barracuda' in September. The song had been used as a theme for Palin – whose nickname is Sarah Barracuda.

The Foo Fighters expressed their anger last week after 'My Hero' was used by the party.

Unlike the Republicans, the Democrats have enjoyed a positive relationship musicians. Last month, they announced details of a compilation album of campaign songs.

(by Jason Gregory)