PHOENIX » An Arizona strip club has endorsed a Democratic candidate for Congress. And the candidate, Rev. Jarrett Maupin, said he’s happy to have the support of The Great Alaskan Bush Company of Phoenix.

The Arizona Republic reports the strip club recently announced its endorsement on a sign that reads: "Jarrett Maupin for Congress ‘The Rev.’"

Maupin said employees voted to back him because he supports affordable student loans and all-day kindergarten. "The Lord works in mysterious ways," said Maupin, who calls himself a member of the Progressive Christian Coalition.

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

However, Maupin said he hasn’t "spent a penny" at the strip club, but would smoke cigars and drink brown liquor to get legislation passed to help Arizona.

Maupin is running in a close race for the 7th District seat against three other Democrats to replace retiring longtime U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor.

But he can’t vote for himself because he was convicted in 2009 of lying to the FBI in a case involving then-Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.