Ethics trials are looming for Democrats

After stunning election losses, and amid potentially disastrous leadership wars, Democrats are preparing to deal with some more bad news: Two senior House members are facing ethics trials.

Later this month, House judicial proceedings begin for Reps. Charlie Rangel of New York and Maxine Waters of California.

Rangel's first day of hearings is Monday.

What's more, Rangel has indicated that he may represent himself, all but ensuring that his trial will garner extensive media attention--pretty much the last thing that Democratic leaders want.

Rangel, who parted ways with his lawyers in October, has a well-earned reputation for blunt and controversial statements. In August, the longtime Harlem congressman took to the House floor to issue a surprise, rambling diatribe about his ethics troubles, repeatedly proclaiming his innocence and trashing the prolonged inquiry into allegations of a number of fundraising abuses.

It's still not clear whether Rangel has a new legal team lined up or is planning to represent himself, nor whether House leaders will delay the trial. A call to Rangel's office was not immediately returned, and the House Ethics Committee does not comment on ongoing cases.

The committee this summer charged Rangel with 13 ethics violations, including the improper solicitation of donations, a failure to provide complete disclosure information, and improper use of a rent-controlled apartment.

Waters faces three charges related to her advocacy for a bank connected to her husband.

The House had delayed both trials until after the election--over the protests of both Rangel and Waters, in addition to objections from ethics watchdog groups.

(Photo of Charlie Rangel: AP/Alex Brandon)