Why does the NRA, a lobbying organization, have more power than We the People?

[AZ Progressive]

It's clear that the public is in favor of various gun control measures:

86 percent support requiring all gun buyers to pass a criminal background check, no matter where they purchase the weapon or from whom they buy it. (January 2011 American ViewPoint/Momentum Analysis poll)
63 percent favor a ban on high capacity magazines or clips. (January 2011 CBS News poll)
69 percent support "limiting the number of guns a person could purchase in a given time frame." (April 2012 Ipsos/Reuters poll)
66 percent support requiring gun owners to register their firearms as part of a national gun registry. (January 2011 American ViewPoint/Momentum Analysis poll)
88 percent support banning those on the terrorist watch list from purchasing guns. (January 2011 American ViewPoint/Momentum Analysis poll)
- findings compiled by MSNBC, links to the actual polls can be found here: http://leanforward.msnbc.com/_news/2012/07/23/12912461-most-americans-favor-gun-control-measures?lite

Yet why is it that the NRA can wield so much power over Washington?

Is it that we expect our representatives to represent us? When in fact they only care about being reelected, and that means fearing being primaried or otherwise taken out by a lobbying group as powerful as the NRA?

Are we going to need a special interest lobbying group for WE, the people, to fight back?

[RKP5637]

1. $$$$$, lobbying and politicians. America is sadly a gun culture country. Pathetic. n/t

[LiberalEsto]

2. Because they're backed by the Corporate Weapons Manufacturing Industry

which has a LOT of money to buy ads, members of Congress, propaganda, paid shills, etc

[rrneck]

3. Because four million of 'we the people' are members. And they're serious about it.

I'd like to figure out a way to get rid of all lobbying organizations.

[Turbineguy]

4. In America we industrialize everything.

It's our culture. "We the People" is far more abstract than gun rights.

[russspeakeasy]

5. Because most politicians operate and vote to protect themselves

and to get re elected. If, like a poker game, the nra whispers that said politician will be called, they fold.
They are, by in large, a cowardly and greedy group.

[Rincewind]

6. It doesn't.

They actually have little influence. They talk big, and everyone gives them much more credit than they deserve. According to Rachel Maddow, in the 2012 election, they had less than a 2% return on their money. In other words, their support, or opposition had little to no effect on the outcome. They get a lot of face time on TV, and are the "go to guys" when any media want a pro gun quote.