Both candidates have pushed themselves to court new constituencies beyond their bases, but the approaches have also exposed their vulnerabilities.

In her second quest to defeat Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, has gone straight into the political lion’s den.

She has announced policy plans to reduce taxes and regulations in the heavily-Democratic Portland metropolitan area, emphasized the natural beauty of its waterfront and advocated against needle exchanges near schools in Multnomah County.

But those appeals haven’t always gone smoothly. At one speaking event in Portland, attendees peppered her with questions about her relationship with the national GOP.…