New York's beleaguered democratic governor David Paterson has formally launched his effort at winning a full term in Albany. But, as our Bill Carey reports, the fight for Paterson seems to be very long and very uphill.

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In any campaign, it is a key moment. The formal announcement. A chance to rally the troops. To generate energy. On Long Island, the troops were not very numerous.

David Paterson's second stop on Saturday was here the New York State Fairgrounds, where he dropped the puck at an outdoor hockey game. If he was hoping to build on whatever momentum was generated in Hempstead, he was disappointed.

Politicians are often booed at sporting events. But the reaction here was loud and sustained. Paterson muscled on through a schedule in Western New York, but his new campaign, David Paterson versus New York State government, seems not to be a game changer.

"For a while, he was getting a little bit of traction with that, but that seems to have run out, as well. So it does seem to be that he just can't get kind of back out of this hole he find himself in," said Grant Reeher, Syracuse University political scientist.

A new Siena Poll, in fact, shows Paterson losing ground.

"Twenty-two percent think he's doing an excellent or good job. Compared to three quarters or 76 percent who think he's doing only a fair or poor job," said Siena College pollster Steve Greenberg.

Absent through the weekend were visible signs of support from party leaders.

Senator Charles Schumer flatly refusing to even discuss the race for governor.

"I'm not going to talk about politics today. I am going to talk about jobs and job creation. Ask me later, down the road," said Senator Schumer.

"Do you support the governor?" our reporter asked.

"As, I said, there will be plenty of time for politics down the road," Schumer replied.

Democrats are still hoping there is time to avoid a bruising battle between Paterson and likely democratic frontrunner Andrew Cuomo. But the weekend also signaled a tougher times for those hoping to reach some accommodation. It's even harder for a politician to step aside, once they have jumped in.

"This is a governor that does not quit," Paterson said.