Arizona Strip Club Endorses Pastor Running For Congressional Seat

A local strip club in Phoenix, Arizona has used its marquee to endorse a pastor currently running for the democratic congressional ticket.

The Great Alaskan Bush Company in Phoenix recently changed its marquee to read "Jarrett Maupin for Congress 'The Rev,'" and The Rev. Maupin says he's thankful for the local gentleman's club endorsement. The pastor, who is running for the state's 7^{th district congressional seat, says he believes the strip club chose to endorse him due to his support for all-day kindergarten and cheaper student loans.}

"What can I say? I support freedom of speech, single moms and college students," Maupin told The Arizona Republic. "In the long run, it might not be good for [the club]. My goal is to help young ladies get their clothes back on."

"The Lord works in mysterious ways," the pastor, who identifies with the Progressive Christian Coalition, added. The pastor was quick to clarify to the local media outlet that he has not been a patron of The Great Alaskan Bush Company.

According to WRAL-TV, Maupin cannot vote for himself in the upcoming primary because he was convicted of a felony in 2009 for lying during an investigation of then-Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon on alleged corruption charges.

Maupin is running against three other democrats in a close race to replace the congressional seat left vacant by retiring Rep. Ed Pastor. One Republican challenger named Cesar Chavez was recently disqualified after a judge tossed 700 signatures the candidate had collected to qualify for the race.