Democrat Elizabeth Warren to Seek Brown's Senate Seat

WASHINGTON — Consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren is jumping into the Massachusetts race against Republican Sen. Scott Brown.

A Massachusetts Democrat familiar with Warren's plans told The Associated Press that she would announce her candidacy on Wednesday. The Democrat requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Democrats have been seeking a major challenger for the seat long held by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Warren is a Harvard Law professor tapped by President Barack Obama last year to set up a new consumer protection agency, but congressional Republicans opposed her becoming the director.

Supporters say her image as a crusader against well-heeled Wall Street interests and her national profile will give her candidacy muscle, though she's never run for political office.