State Rep. Jim Gooch blasts Obama, leaves Democratic party for GOP

John P. Wise

Dec 28, 2015 02:23 PM

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Rep. Jim Gooch Jr., who's served Kentucky's 12th District since 1995 as a Democrat, announced Monday he'll switch over to the Republican party.

Gooch released a statement Monday afternoon blasting President Barack Obama and saying he "cannot be a member of the party that supports Barack Obama's policies." Below is an excerpt from Gooch's statement:

(Obama) will lecture those of us from rural states like Kentucky for “clinging to our God and our guns”. His lectures will continue as he belittles us for not understanding the “true science” behind climate change. We will be told that “climate change” is the biggest threat to our nation and our planet, and he will never utter the words “Radical Islamic Terrorists”.

His divisive policies of class warfare will continue as he punishes those who dare to work hard and be successful. After all, it is their fault that others are less fortunate.

He will take no steps to make this nation “Energy Independent”. That would require him to embrace the technologies in oil and natural gas production, because fossil fuels are bad.

We will be told that we as a nation must accept more Middle Eastern Immigrants even though we know that some “ISIS” members could be among them.

I, like most of my constituents, am tired of all the political correctness.

House Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover issued the following statement at about 1 p.m. Monday:

“I am pleased and proud to welcome Representative Jim Gooch to the House Republican Caucus," he wrote. "Representative Gooch informed me this morning that he has officially switched his registration to Republican, and will be seeking re-election as a Republican."

The 12th District includes McLean and Webster counties, as well as parts of Daviess and Hopkins counties. Gooch's home city is Providence.

"Representative Gooch and I have had a very good relationship over the years and have developed a strong friendship," Hoover continued. "His extensive background in natural resources issues and unwavering support for our coal industry will be a tremendous benefit to our caucus and I know he will continue to serve the people of the 12th House District, as well as the Commonwealth as a whole, with integrity. He is a welcome addition to the House Republican ranks which currently stands at 48 members."

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