Independent candidate backs Brown in surprise move

Gubernatorial candidate Patrick Starnes, of the Independent Party, has endorsed Gov. Kate Brown. (Paris Achen/Portland Tribune)

Patrick Starnes, a Brownsville cabinetmaker who took the political stage to spotlight campaign finance reform and third-party inclusion, announced Tuesday that he was dropping out of the race and endorsing Democratic incumbent Gov. Kate Brown.

Starnes, the nominee of the Independent Party of Oregon, said he supports Brown because she has received fewer large campaign donations than her Republican…