Dec. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Former Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, the losing Democratic vice presidential candidate two years ago, will announce tomorrow that he is seeking the party's nomination for president in 2008, a spokeswoman said.

Edwards will make the announcement in New Orleans in front of a house that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. He spent time today helping volunteers fix up the home's backyard.

``He will announce his candidacy for president tomorrow,'' said spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri.

Edwards, 53, was John Kerry's vice presidential running mate in 2004 and during the campaign spoke often about two Americas, one rich and one poor. He will use New Orleans tomorrow as a backdrop to highlight that disparity.

Edwards is the highest profile candidate to officially announce for 2008. His opponents for the nomination may include Senators Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois, who haven't announced whether they will enter the race.

Edwards sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, coming in second in the Iowa caucuses and fourth in the New Hampshire primary. He eventually withdrew and was picked by Kerry for the second spot on the Democratic ticket.

To contact the reporter on this story: Nicholas Johnston in New Orleans at njohnston3@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 27, 2006 16:05 EST