Quitting syndrome

We will Rock Dem tries to rock Bob McDonnell and Sarah Palin for quitting. Where did this quitting syndrome come from?
The first big political resignation I remember was Bob Dole in 1996. He left the Senate in June to focus on his presidential run, saying he was going either to the White House or home. Of course, he lost and stayed in Washington and did Viagra commercials.
One of the reasons he quit was Democratic compliants. They complained he was being partisan instead of doing what was best for the country. (Was Bill Clinton being partisan as president? Of course.)
Now, everywhere you look, politicians are either resigning to run for higher office (Brian Moran also) or being hit for pushing their electoral interest ahead of the people.
You get hit harder either way. Best to do what you think is right and be proud.

UPDATE: Linked on the Washington Post's Race to Richmond page.