Musicians are often a mouthy bunch, but like clockwork, every four years, the volume is cranked up as artists revive the undeniable ties between politics and music and support their chosen presidential candidate, his or her ethics, and ultimate ideals for a greater America. And 2008 is no exception -- especially with the war in Iraq worsening daily; in fact, at this point in the game, some 11 months before the general election, hordes of musicians have voiced their words of concern, support, and criticism.

In light of the decisive election, and the musical world's keen, steadfast interest, SPIN.com will keep a running tally of the many politically active artists, and which candidates each support, up to election day this November. And now, on the heels of Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler's political diatribe Tuesday (Jan 15), comes Pete Wentz's announcement of a fundraiser, also in aid of Obama, slated for Chicago's Lakeview Broadcasting Co. Jan. 22; just $75 gets you in the door, where it seems Mr. Wentz will be dishing tailored beverages.

"I have been an Obama supporter from day one," Wentz said in a press release. "After watching the New Hampshire primary, I couldn't just be an observer anymore. I had to act… Forget the wine and champagne. I will be pouring the night's specialty shot, the O-bomb(a). This isn't your parents' fundraiser, while these changes to the traditional fundraiser are unconventional, they represent the kind of shake up that I believe Barack Obama can bring to Washington. Change we can believe in." [Via Punknews.org]

Let's take a brief tally of where musicians currently stand:

Frontrunners for the Democratic Nomination:

Barack Obama: Clearly the leader in the musical community with support from both Butler and Wentz, and fellow Illinois natives Jeff Tweedy and the Cool Kids, plus Third Eye Blind's frontman Stephan Jenkins, OK Go, Shudder to Think, and comedy trio Stella.

Hillary Clinton: Ol' Hill is lacking in the young, hipster quotient but sports a few heavy hitters, including Elvis Costello and Timbaland. Maybe her campaign song is to blame? Really, Hillary, Celine Dion?

Frontrunners for the Republican Nomination:

For reasons unexplained, the Republican Party avidly shuns public celebrity endorsements, but -- duh! -- never turn away those cherished financial campaign donations. But…, there is one exception.

Mike Huckabee: Though not a musician, Walker, Texas Ranger himself Chuck Norris is an avid Huckabee supporter. Plus, in the musical spectrum, Mr. Huckabee is quite the tunesmith, having played bass in numerous bands -- but don't expect Huckabee to jam out with Moby anytime soon.