Supporters of Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi?s push to become governor held a campaign rally outside the state Democratic Convention in Buffalo Tuesday.

Eighteen of the 22 Nassau delegates walked out of the convention as Attorney General Eliot Spitzer was anointed as the party?s gubernatorial candidate. Suozzi, who was barred from speaking at the convention, must now collect thousands of signatures to get on the ballot.

Many Nassau residents feel Suozzi is fighting a losing battle and is diverting his attention away from local issues. Others say Suozzi should fight until the end, as he has resolved to do.