Hollywood Heavyweights Power Elizabeth Warren's $5.7 Million War Chest

5:15 PM PST 1/11/2012 by Tina Daunt

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Alex Wong/Getty Images

Jeffrey Katzenberg, Barbra Streisand and Norman Lear are among those who have donated funds to the new political "It Girl."

Massachusetts senatorial candidate Elizabeth Warren raised a stunning $5.7 million last quarter with a broad base of support that included Barbra Streisand, Jeffrey Katzenberg, George Soros and three other members of the Soros family, according to federal campaign filings.

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Democrats are eager to win back a senate seat that was long held by liberal icon Edward Kennedy. Warren, who at one time served as the Obama administration's consumer advocate, has emerged as a leading spokesperson for liberals concerned with income inequality.

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Her opponent, Sen. Scott Brown, a one-time Tea Party favorite, has become the darling of Wall Street donors who see Warren as a threat to capitalism itself. As a result, Brown collected $3.2 million during the last reporting period, records show. The race is expected to be the most costly Senate battle during this election season.

Warren, who anticipates an avalanche of GOP super PAC money flowing into Massachusetts, has become a constant and relentless fundraiser since declaring her candidacy in mid-September. She came to Los Angeles in November for a fundraiser hosted by Norman and Lyn Lear. Co-hosts included Streisand, Steve Bing, and Lorraine and Sid Sheinberg.

Among those donating cash during the last quarter were musician Herb Alpert, television writer Victor Fresco, producer Jim Michaels, actress Nancy Stephens, television producer Marcia Carsey and actress Shira Piven.

Other Hollywood supporters include Hans Zimmer, Ron Howard and Will Ferrell.