If a senator has committed crimes, then he should be impeached and convicted as the Constitution requires. Running him out of town with an onslaught of internet bullshit is NOT constitutional, or desirable!   

It's just too easy :
Governor doesn't like senator;
"someone" spreads internet rumors;
Senator gives up too quickly;
Governor gets to appoint whomever he wants..

This doesn't sound like American democracy to me.
MD