U.S. Senate candidate Rich Tarrant campaign manager Tim Lennon said he and the ad production people in California traded phone messages today, and they report: "Everything was fine and taken care of" regarding use of three published songs in a Web ad.

So, does that mean they paid for use of the ads or that they had some reason they didn't need to pay? Lennon said he didn't ask and they didn't say. "I don't know the details," Lennon said. "They've taken care of it."

Jeff Barry, co-author of "Sugar, Sugar," told the Associated Press his office had no word of an agreement for Tarrant to use one of his songs. Lennon said he sees no need to inquire further.

"Sugar, Sugar" was among the songs used in the made-for-the-Web-only ad criticizing a contribution to Sanders' campaign. The ad inappropriately used footage of Sanders from Channel 17. After Channel 17 objected, the Tarrant campaign withdrew the ad.

Paul Hortenstine, spokesman for Tarrant's opponent, Bernie Sanders, said the misstep was one of a growing number from Tarrant's campaign that also include a radio ad that incorrectly claimed Tarrant-founded IDX Corp. was the largest employer in the state and a paid staffer posing as a neutral blogger. "It seems to me there's a pattern of the Tarrant campaign thinking rules don't apply."

_ TH