GOP's Drazan holds narrow lead in Oregon governor's race: poll

Oregon Republican gubernatorial hopeful Christine Drazan continues to hold a narrow lead against her Democratic rival Tina Kotek and independent contender Betsy Johnson.

In the latest Nelson Research poll, Drazan got 43.5% support from likely voters, to Kotek's 41.1%, and Johnson's 4.5%. Conducted from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, the poll surveyed 577 likely voters and has a margin of error of +/- 4.1% points. Drazan's 2.4% lead means the race remains a statistical tie.

With less than a week until the Tuesday contest, the poll shows that Johnson's campaign, while previously strong, has fallen considerably in poll performance. In early October, Johnson commanded a formidable 19% support in an Emerson College poll that showed Drazan and Kotek with less consolidated backing.

As recently as late October, when the three candidates debated on stage, Johnson enjoyed more comfortable support, though moderators did ask about her possible status as a spoiler candidate. She enjoyed roughly 16% support at that time.

Should Drazan win, she would be the first Republican to govern Oregon since Victor Atiyeh, who left office in 1987.