I agreed with AuntyM second paragraph earlier today reading it as the legislative process,and using SB 5127 last year as my example.
I understand your point on 1st paragraph about campaign calculated risks VS rewards.
Sen.Haugen who co-chaired with Sen Jacobsen on SB 5127 took that calculated risk and in doing so accumulated Risks:

1) Reprisal by not representing the majority of people in her district
OR
2)The recreational sportman that backed referendum 45 in 1995 that got 61% voter approval that established the commission of WDFW, by trying to gut, under the guise of budget constraints.

3) hoping that at re-election time things will be forgotten--it won't
Etc.
VS
1) Name recognition
2) popularity
3) commercial money
4) to big a name to loose
It should be interesting at election time and at next legislative season.