Financing the Governor: Christie Leads in Cranford Contributions

Gov.-Elect Chris Christie didn't just win Cranford in the vote count, state campaign finance records show that the Republican easily beat his two opponents in campaign contributions from the town.

Records from the state Election Law Finance Commission show that Christie pulled in $14,450 from residents and companies based in town. This is compared to for Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine and $2,850 for independent gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett.

Christie stopped by the Rustic Mill Diner on North Avenue on October 31 to talk with Cranford voters. 

Christie's largest donations in town come from a Cranford-based company and a Cranford couple. Elberon Development Company on Birchwood Avenue donated $3,400 to the Christie campaign. Both John and Donna Frieri on Woods Hole Road also made $3,400 donations, the maximum amount allowed by law.

Another noteable donation came from Cranford's Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Public Works Mark Smith, who gave $300 to the Christie campaign.

See who made Christie contributions here:

Cranford Donations to Gov.-Elect Chris Christie

David Casiere of Springfield Avenue: $100
David Cummins of Orange Avenue (sometimes mistaken for Councilman Jim Foerst): $300
Denis Dankosky of Ramsgate Road, State Farm agent: $100
Frank DiTullio of Pawnee Road, owner of the Cranford Hotel: $1,000
Elberon Development Company on Birchwood Avenue: $3,400
Donna Frieri of Woods Hole Road; Frieri, Conroy and Lombardo: $3,400
John Frieri of Woods Hole Road; Frieri, Conroy and Lombardo: $3,400
Nicholas Giuditta III of Fairfield Avenue, estate planning attorney in Westfield: $250
Charles Goodfellow of Central Avenue: $250
John Mairo of Orange Avenue: $500
Michael Mullen of Orange Avenue: $1,000
Richard O'Connor of North Avenue, Kenilworth Borough enginneer, Grotto Engineering Associates: $300
Mark Smith of Wade Avenue, Republican, deputy mayor and commissioner of public works: $300
Michael Tripodi of Colin Kelly Street, appointed to Charter Study Advisory Committee in 2008: $150

Total: $14,450

Editor's Note: This is the first of a three part series looking at local donations in the governor's race. The second and third parts will look at donations to the Corzine and Daggett campaigns.