Mark Lacter • February 17 2012 12:40 PM

The Congressional investigation of the California Democrat has been nothing short of disastrous, with lawmakers on both sides accusing each other of misconduct. This morning, six members of the House Ethics Committee recused themselves, and they have been replaced by a new team. The move comes after defense lawyer Billy Martin Jr. was brought on last year to conduct an investigation into the investigation. The case centers on whether Waters improperly sought federal aid for OneUnited, a bank in which her husband had a financial stake. Waters says she did nothing wrong.

From the Washington Post:
Kenneth Gross, an ethics attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, said the mass recusal appeared to be “unprecedented” in a congressional investigation. But he said the move was understandable, given the circumstances. “The committee wants to start with a clean slate,” Gross said. “In view of the messy history of this case, it seems to be a smart move.”
In their letter to [House Speaker John] Boehner, the six lawmakers said “each current and former member and current employee, who was requested for interview, fully cooperated” with Martin’s probe. But notably, “one necessary witness” — a former aide, based on the letter’s description — chose not to appear and signaled plans to invoke the Fifth Amendment.

From LAObserved