Rep. Maxine Waters, one of Los Angeles' most well-known Democratic politicians, is requesting the House ethics committee charging her with ethics violations release its list of allegations against her immediately, citing concerns with how the scandal may tarnish her constituents' perception of her.

Rep. Maxine Waters (Creative Commons)

"I feel strongly that further delay in the scheduling of the hearing violates the fundamental principles of due process, denies my constituents the opportunity to evaluate this case, and harms my ability to defend my integrity," she said Wednesday in a letter to the committee.

A report released by the OCE claims that in September 2008 Waters helped set up a meeting for members from the Treasury Department and representatives of the National Bank Association.

But instead of focusing on the many banks that make up the association, the main topic of discussion at the meeting was a bank called OneUnited. Waters' husband held stock in the bank and had previously served on its board. 

The committee determined Waters' connection to the bank qualified as a violation of the House's ethics policies.

Rather than accepting the accusations, Waters released a statement Monday asserting that she did not violate any House rules in arranging a meeting between Treasury Department officials and bank executives.

"No benefit, no improper action, no failure to disclose, no one influenced: no case," she said twice in her statement.

Her trial will take place this fall, around the same time as the trial of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), who was hit with 13 ethics violations July 29.

The Waters and Rangel cases could present obstacles for Democrats as November elections approach and the party tries to maintain the House majority.

Both representatives also belong to the Congressional Black Caucus, which says its members are often referred to as the "conscience of Congress" for their willingness to attack serious social issues.

Barbara Lee (D-CA), chairwoman of the group, said even though the specific accusations have not yet been revealed by the House ethics committee, Waters' case has already been skewed by the media. 

"Although the alleged charges remain unclear, some in the media have sought to indict Congresswoman Waters in clear disregard of her right to a fair and due process," she said.

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