California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters will keynote this weekend’s 42nd Annual Conference of the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators in Albany, according to the caucus’s website.

Waters, a former chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, has been a lightning rod for conservatives during a two-year House Ethics investigation that probed whether she tried to influence regulators after a bank her husband had financial ties sought a federal bailout in 2008.

Waters was cleared of wrongdoing in September.

From the bio provided on the association’s website:

Congresswoman Maxine Waters is considered by many to be one of the most powerful women in American politics today. She has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color and the poor.
…
Throughout her 37 years of public service, Maxine Waters has been on the cutting edge, tackling difficult and often controversial issues. She has combined her strong legislative and public policy acumen and high visibility in Democratic Party activities with an unusual ability to do grassroots organizing.

The three-day conference begins Friday in Albany and runs through Sunday, which includes the gala dinner and keynote address.

So far there’s been no indication from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office if he plans to attend.

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