Reaching out to the feds: Wis. Democrats ask AG Holder for federal benefits for same-sex couples

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The four Democratic members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation are asking U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to recognize the marriages of gay couples who recently wed in Wisconsin.

More than 500 couples wed from June 6 to Friday after a federal judge declared Wisconsin's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb halted additional weddings late Friday while Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen appeals her decision.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Reps. Ron Kind, Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan sent a letter Monday toHolder asking him to recognize the marriages for federal purposes.

Such recognition would allow spouses of federal workers and military personnel to qualify for health, retirement and other benefits. Couples also could file their federal tax returns jointly.