What advocacy groups are seeking
Liberal advocacy groups, often thwarted in Congress for the past 14 years, have a long list of legislative priorities they will push for when Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats take power in Washington. Among them:
November 9, 2008
Criminal-justice reform groups
Eliminate sentencing disparity that is harsher on crack cocaine than powder cocaine.
Expand alternatives to incarceration.
Extend voting rights to people released from prison.
Restore welfare and food stamp eligibility to people with drug felony convictions.
Gay rights groups
Outlaw workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Expand hate-crimes laws to cover violence motivated by anti-gay bias.
Modify immigration laws to accommodate same-sex partners from other nations.
Repeal "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bars gays from serving openly in the military.
Feminist groups
Close the gender wage gap and increase the minimum wage.
Enable more workers to benefit from paid sick days and family/medical leave.
Ratify the United Nations treaty to end sex discrimination.
Reproductive rights groups
Expand access to birth control and family planning.
Eliminate federal support for abstinence-only sex education and support comprehensive programs that include teaching about contraception.
Reverse regulation that bars aid to groups providing or promoting abortions.
Limit or overturn policies that interfere with a woman's right to have an abortion.
Immigrant rights groups
Halt or cut back on workplace raids targeting undocumented workers.
Enact comprehensive immigration reform that provides illegal immigrants with options other than deportation.
SOURCE: Associated Press 
