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When you’re considering who to vote for in a congressional election, one of the things you’ve got to consider is whether a candidate has a grip on reality. I’m talking about the reality that you live in day to day: what it’s like to live your life, what it’s like to have your concerns.

Let’s consider the case of John Shadegg, the long-time Republican member of Congress over the 3rd District of Arizona. Less than a year ago, John Shadegg was interviewed for the 2007 Conservative Leadership Conference by Ken Marrero. This is what John Shadegg had to say about how he perceives the American economy:

John Shadegg: I think we are living through the longest sustained period of economic growth and the most dynamic economy in human history, that’s created more jobs and more prosperity and more income and moved more people ahead on the income scale than at any time ever in recorded mankind, in the history of mankind.

Ken Marrero: As opposed to “the worst economy in the last 50 years.” Again, the Dow last week and the S&P I believe both closed at record highs again.

John Shadegg: Larry Kudlow, who I am a fan of you know, is forever saying how this is the best secret never told!

Ken Marrero: Exactly.

John Shadegg: Uh, you know, I have friends back home in Arizona who say, “Oh, gosh, the economy is tanking, it’s going down, we’re in trouble.” And they’ve told me that, like, every six months like clockwork!

Ken Marrero: Ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha. For the last twelve years probably!

John Shadegg: Ha ha, yes, for the last twelve years I’ve been in office! I keep going, OK, when? And it doesn’t seem to happen!

Are you laughing with him? John Shadegg has lost his grip on reality.