August 7, 2008, West Haven, CT - Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz has been allowed to hold a voter registration drive and voter education session at the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Haven.

She met with patients on Thursday despite a national ban on voter registration drives in such federal facilities.

In May, Veterans Affairs Secretary James P. Peake issued a directive suspending registration drives. He says the move was made to avoid disruptions and because a law prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities on government time.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who has threatened to sue the VA over the directive, says it was "wise and commendable" that the federal agency "gave ground" and allowed Thursday's visit.