So you would like an answer to a hypothetical question that you claim will never happen :-)? You claim that McClintock will not withdraw, but you ask about a hypothetical situation that "might" occur if he did?
My view is that *if* Davis comes up with a smear that actually works to make Arnold "radioactive" -- and the chances of that are slim -- [I think that has to be admitted -- we are talking about California here]. *If* that happened -- then Arnold would be responsible for not having prepared the public for whatever "heinous crime" he might have committed. Arnold would indeed be "responsible" for his impact. However, I think that most Califorians would suspect Davis of playing dirty before they would find Arnold "radioactive".
So, I've answered your question. Now please answer mine. Is McClintock "responsible" for his impact in this race?
Yes, McClintock is responsible for his impact. And so is every other candidate. If your "worst case scenario" occurs and Cruz wins, can Pete Wilson honestly say he didn't know Tom McClintock when his candidate filed right after McClintock filed and did so right after McClintock promised his supporters he was in the race to the finish line?
If you are at all aquainted in recent Sacramento history, then you know that Wilson and McClintock go way back and have locked horns before. Wilson knows good and well that McClintock has never broken his word.