The wrong battle?

The resignation of David Davis is quite surprising, and questions are asked in certain quarters of the media if this will have an adverse effect on his career or on the party. But what baffles me is why stand for re-election on this issue. A Sunday Telegraph poll showed 65% of people in favour of the extension of detention without trial; so any referendum on the issue would probably be won by Gordon Brown. As the Liberal Democrats have already declared they will not contest the by-election then it is unthinkable for him to lose the seat, unless Conservative voters simply do not turn out. Also forcing a by-election, and the costs incurred, may not be good PR anyway. There is the personal principle issue, but could he not do and say more from the floor of the house and via the media without stepping down? So the logical reason is to keep the issue, and Davis's objections in the media spotlight. Yet, the House of Lords have already promised to give the bill a 'pretty rough ride' so it will be on the news anyway. So is David Davis fighting the wrong battle here, sure a victory could be sold as a mini-referendum on the issue but the argument would be flawed as that would not be the question asked (particularly if no-one else stands); help me out with this one!!!