I suspect that it's more like the unionization of scientists. Sure, politicization of research funding is bad for the science, as unionization is often bad for productivity, but on an individual basis it's great. More money, easier living, guaranteed consistent future. For the 'scientists' who want a career instead of a living doing science, this will win them over.
I'm reminded of the demise of the Superconducting Super Collider. Many physicists of that era felt big government broke a covenant with academia dating back to before the Manhattan project. No longer could gifted young physicists and mathematicians dedicate their life's work to research with expectation of a career provided by the grateful government.