Residents of Frank Sinatra's hometown have started a bizarre campaign to elect outrageous comic Artie Lange Mayor.

Lange, a New Jersey native, has lived in Hoboken since 2001, and residents have launched a grassroots movement to elect the star as their new representative.

Campaign manager, Bob Abouey, is brushing off the controversial comedian's troubled past - a week before Lange is due in court after pleading not guilty to charges of drunk and careless driving following a July car crash in the state.

Abouey says, "Hoboken has not received the respect it deserves from past and current politicians. Corruption, incompetence and political grandstanding have taken the place of a sincere caring for its residents."

"Instead of a candidate peddling hope, we want Artie to cut through the politics. A former longshoreman with a rap sheet should have no problem getting elected in Hoboken. It's practically a requirement."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)