Lightning rod for controversy

Posted by Info on May 05, 2005

What does "the lightning rod for controversy" means? Does it means the focus of a controversy or the shield that avoid a controversy?

I'm an English learner. If there's any mistake in my sentences, please point it out.

• Lightning rod for controversy ESC 05/May/05
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    • Lightning rod for controversy Smokey Stover 06/May/05
      • Lightning rod for controversy Bob 06/May/05
        • Lightning rod for controversy Smokey Stover 07/May/05
          • Actually Lewis 13/May/05