Well don't blame Bush. He and his advisors must/may have known enough to anticipate at least some of the difficulties Simon has brought upon himself. Big money Republican sources must also know, or else Simon would have enough money.
Simon has surrounded himself with the "can't shoot straight" quality of advisors. This means he isn't a guy who is smart enough to win, as we are witnessing.
I recall a rule from a college business professor: "A manager can delegate authority, but cannot delegate responsibility."
Talk of a write-in or substitute candidate offer little to no chance for success.