Strippers for Jesus

A longshot candidate for Congress is trying to win his primary with the endorsement of a controversial Bush. Not George or Jeb—but the Great Alaskan Bush Company, a Phoenix strip club.

Rev. Jarrett Maupin is a convicted felon as well as a man of God and a man of the people who is campaigning for the Democratic nomination in Arizona’s 7th district. He is, according to his campaign website, the “son of a wise Latina” who accidentally lied to the FBI and has progressive positions on equality, immigration reform, and the environment—oh, and also on strippers.

Last week, Maupin, who did not respond to a request for comment, was endorsed by the Great Alaskan Bush Company—and he welcomed his new fans with open arms. “The Lord works in mysterious ways,” he told the Arizona Republic.

The Bush, as I’m calling it for short, is rated 3.5 stars on Yelp, the club is both “wheelchair accessible” and “good for groups.” Customers rave “Fun place to go, especially with the $5 lap dance lunch special.” Outside of the ranch-inspired facility is a sign, reading: “JARRETT MAUPIN FOR CONGRESS ‘THE REV’” Inside, the club’s Facebook page promises, “the incredible Bush Babes will help get things up again!” if Monday has got you down. Calls left on the club’s answering machine were not immediately returned.

The Rev. told the Republic the club’s owner said the endorsement was a result of his support for affordable student loans. “What can I say?” he asked. “I support freedom of speech, single moms, and college students.”

Maupin assured the publication he had not “spent a penny” in a strip club.

Maupin is running to replace retiring Rep. Ed Pastor in the August 26 primary.