By Caitlin Dean

DENVER -- Even though Hillary Clinton's supporters know she won't be the Democratic presidential nominee this year, many groups of discontented Clinton backers are rallying at the Democratic National Convention to show they haven't given up on the dream.

Groups such as PUMA, Just Say No Deal, 18 Million Voices and The Denver Group are among dozens that continue to support Clinton despite Barack Obama’s coming nomination acceptance speech on Thursday.

Delegates and others attending the Denver convention have already seen marches and rallies citywide as die-hard Clinton supporters make a final thrust at securing the far-fetched prize. 18 Million Voices was expected to host a march on Tuesday to advocate women's rights and celebrate Clinton's achievements. The Denver Group, funds permitting, is running commercials on Denver television stations through the official roll call on Thursday.

Some of these groups, such as Just Say No Deal, have not directly endorsed Clinton, but say they want to see the New York senator have a last shot at winning the nomination. The Denver Group, for example, objects to the coronation ceremony that has become the modern convention week and is calling for an open convention in which Clinton gets a “genuine roll call vote” rather than a symbolic gesture.

Other individuals who previously supported Clinton have formed loose-knit collectives with the aim of promoting Republican candidate John McCain as the alternative to Obama in November. Clintons4McCain says the democratic process means government should be "one of the people for the people and by the people not 'of the party for the party and by the party.'"

"We Are Volunteers Dedicated to Bringing You The Real Barack H. Obama, And We Are NOT GOP Spies," the group's Web site says.

Some women's groups have opted not to support Obama, saying Clinton's historic campaign has brought change to the political world and women need to carry that progress further.

Obama said last week that he recognizes Clinton’s supporters have worked hard and want her to get recognition at the convention. His campaign has worked with Clinton’s advisers to tamp down speculation that the two sides are uncooperative and harbor ill will.