I hope you would agree this is not exclusive to Republican or Democratic politicians.
California State and its voters have been very active utilizing their referendum process. Sacramento politicians often try to work around the voter's will as mandated by referendum.
Why?
Well, because what politician who works hard to get elected wants to give back power to the voters.
First, politicians need support and money from special interest groups to get elected. These groups have their own interests that frequently don't line up with the overall electorate's interests.
More cynically, politicians often have friends and family in the employ of the special interest groups. For that matter, former politicians might wind up lobbying or on a board for the same groups.
One last point that we have probably discussed is U.S. electoral math and the power of the extreme wings in both parties. Ballpark, 30% of the electorate can take over the agenda of a State regardless of popular opinion. That is of course if it is a solid Red state or Blue state. The 30% can essentially control the dominant state party.
