U.S. Democratic candidates embrace gun control despite political risks

Democratic congressional candidate Aftab Pureval speaks at a campaign event in Ohio's first congressional district, in North Avondale, Ohio, U.S., June 13, 2018. REUTERS/Tim Reid

WEST ORANGE, N.J./NORTH AVONDALE, Ohio (Reuters) - Aftab Pureval, a Democrat seeking to unseat a Republican congressman in Ohio, knows the political risks in calling for gun restrictions – and taking on the powerful National Rifle Association, which has spent more than $115,000 (£87,610) supporting his opponent over the years.

But after a spate of school shootings, including February's massacre at a high school in Parkland, Florida, Pureval believes voters in the Republican-leaning district have had enough of congressional inaction.