Associated Press - November 9, 2009 10:44 AM ET

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Democratic lawyer Roxanne Conlin has formally entered the U.S. Senate race, filing paperwork with the Federal Election Commission seeking the nomination to oppose Republican Sen. Charles Grassley.

The 65-year-old Conlin filed the documents Monday. She says she's running because career politicians have taken control in Washington. She joins two Democrats seeking the nomination, Tom Fiegen and Bob Krause.

Conlin was the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in 1982, losing to then-Gov. Terry Branstad. She hasn't sought public office since then, focusing instead on building a successful law practice.

Colin has promised not to take campaign contributions from political action committees, but she is expected to get substantial donations from trial lawyers and other Democratic-leaning groups.

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