WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina is finalizing the details of a long-expected run for president, planning a New Year's Day gathering with friends before a series of interviews and fund raisers later in the week, associates said Tuesday.

Edwards is expected to announce formation of a presidential exploratory committee on Thursday, trying to get a jump on several of his colleagues in Congress who are also expected to join the Democratic race in the next few weeks.

Associates expect Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt to announce he's running within the next week and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman is leaning toward a run, though he hasn't set a final timetable for his decision. Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle is still talking with supporters with a plan to decide by mid-January.

Edwards, 49, is entertaining close friends and supporters at his home in Raleigh, N.C., on New Year's Day, and is scheduling a series of interviews, including an appearance Thursday on NBC's "Today," according to the associates, who spoke only on condition of anonymity.