Democratic leaders are saying they were not surprised with 12th District State Representative Jim Gooch switched earlier this week from a Democrat to a Republican. According to the Messenger-Inquirer, Gooch plans to run as a Republican for re-election in the next House race. He served as a Democrat in the district, which includes part of Daviess County, for the past 20 years. He said he switched parties because he disagreed with many Democratic policies, especially President Obama’s plan of reducing carbon emissions.