Those unfortunate enough to have been born in New Jersey typically disassociate themselves from their home state as soon as possible. And then there's John Francis Bongiovi, Jr., more commonly known by his stage name, Bon Jovi.

The '80s hair-band icon is so proud of his Garden State heritage that he has become the token guy to call to add a modicum of celebrity to an otherwise boring fundraiser, building dedication, or bank opening in Jersey.

The big BJ donated the maximum $2,300 allowed by law to good pal Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, but Francis does not discriminate. Jon Edwards and Barack Obama have already called in favors. Former Gov. Christine Whitman consulted him when she was deciding whether to build a sports arena in Camden (she opted not to after he explained that it was a bad move). He christened the Prudential Center opening in Newark. He even allowed "Who Says You Can't Go Home" to be used in a state television commercial.

Still, it's Clinton for whom he has the greatest affinity. She invites him to parties in the Hamptons; he calls her Mrs. C. and talks to her about things like affordable housing and global warming. "She seems to really like to hear me play," Bon Jovi says. Granted, she chose someone else's heartwarming ballad—Celine Dion's "You and I" as her official campaign song, but that's presumably because "Living on a Prayer" probably struck too close to home.