The state’s Republican party will converge on Manhattan Tuesday for their nominating convention.

There is a crowded field of candidates looking to top the ticket.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy has the backing of party chairman Ed Cox, but that does not assure him a spot on the ballot.

Levy only recently switched from the Democratic to the Republican party so he has to win the support of more than 50 percent of party delegates to get on the ballot.

If he doesn’t, he can’t even petition his way on by collecting signatures.

Also in the running is former Long Island Congressman Rick Lazio who recently received the backing of the Conservative Party, as well as upstate businessman Carl Paladino who has close ties to the Tea Party movement.

Most recently, Manhattan real estate entrepreneur Myers Mermel became the fourth entry into the race.

(Source: NY1)