Frank Raia's Hoboken political contribution history

Folks are still reeling from the big news yesterday about Frank 'Pupie' Raia.

We all know Pupie. He's an out-sized Hoboken character; larger than life, many things to many people, saint and sinner rolled up in one. 

Frank's got a long Hoboken resume of public service, philanthropy, and um, other stuff... 

He's a born-and-raised real estate mega-success, a 2009 mayoral candidate, a 2013 City Council candidate, a Hoboken School Board Trustee from 2003-2009, a founding member of HOPES (Head Start program) and has served on its Board of Directors since, served on the Hudson Sewerage Authority for almost 30 years,  helped HoLa Dual Language Charter School get off the ground and serves currently as an  HoLa Board Trustee. Frank's also a quiet philanthropist- buys winter coats for poor kids-- and he's a showboat, hosting annual birthday bashes for himself. Raia is also the subject of gossip and some dark Hoboken lore.    

Now, we can add a federal indictment to Frank's resume. 

Yesterday, Raia and Dio Braxton were indicted by the U.S. District Court of New Jersey for  "conspiring to use mail to promote a voter bribery scheme."  People, it is important we all heed the words of the U.S. Attorney : "The charges and allegations in this indictment, and against Camis, are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."

Yes!  Remember that Pupie is entitled to due process, and presumed innocent until proven otherwise. 

Therefore, Pupie's individual donations to Hoboken and Hudson County candidates/political committee/PACs are not to be construed as anything relating to yesterday's indictment.  

The chart below is public record gleaned directly from New Jersey Law Enforcement's contributions database.  It's a list of Raia's monetary contributions organized by year.  Note, Frank has given to numerous contributions outside of Hudson County- the list below excludes those outside contributions.