But the party does control where the money goes, you don't believe you can seperate the individule from their party affiliation.   The party is the individual base of strength.    It why Clinton had enough money that she redirected much of it to lower level campaigns.  Brown as the highest ranking public official of the Democratic party in Oregon, will feel a responsibility to support funding for all candidates and raising money for all candidates.   
It's why Democrats would alternately run toward the President, then away from him depending on his popularity.   

I've only met Brown once and that was at a forum on election reform.   She seemed open to reform, was serious about how money is allotted by the state to the PRIVATE political parties.   She was at least present at this meeting for reformers of the political election process.   That's more than I an say for most Democrats, who are highly resistent to any changes in the primary that might open the door for non Democrats.