Gooch is one of two house members who haven't refunded the pay they received from the July special session that lasted just one day in the House of Representatives. Gooch was one of the lawmakers who voted not to adjourn the house after the first day of the session. He says he stayed in Frankfort even after his house colleagues went home because the Peabody Coal incentives bill was still being reviewed by the senate and he felt it was in the best interests of his western Kentucky coal producing district to keep pushing for its passage.

And since Gooch says he kept working, and "as a matter of principle" he doesn't feel any obligation to return any of the legislative pay he received for that special session. Gooch says he got a bill for $1500 and several phone calls from the House Speaker's office, asking him to send a check, but he refused. He believes it was "poor leadership" by Speaker Jody Richards and other house leaders "to demand money from members.......and put members in a financial hardship." Gooch is an insurance agent who says he had to cancel several appointments with clients and potential clients to clear his schedule for the special session in Frankfort. So he lost that potential business.

While Gooch and Rep. Jim Stewart are the only house members who haven't refunded their legislative pay, Gooch believes "there are a whole lot of others who didn't want to."
Gooch says he's not mad at his party leaders but he does feel "vindicated' since an energy bill was ultimately passed in another special session.