Voters in the South Bay next week will decide whether to recall Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky in connection with his handling of a high-profile sexual assault case.

This is arguably the “most-watched” contest on next week’s ballot.

On Wednesday, there were dueling rallies, if you will, to help voters make up their minds. 

“This is a divisive issue,” Persky said.

Judge Persky himself was the keynote speaker at a rally opposing his recall from the bench. Persky had a message for voters.

“When you step into a courtroom, you will expect and demand a judge who will follow the rule of law and not public opinion,” Persky said.

Persky insists he was only following the law when he sentenced former Stanford athlete Brock Turner, who was convicted of sexually assaulting an intoxicated and unconscious woman, to jail instead of prison.

Recall supporters want voters to stand up on behalf of sexual assault victims, says organizer Michelle Dauber.

“We’re recalling Judge Persky because he has a long history of bias in favor of privileged perpetrators in cases of violence against women, and we’re here to say enough is enough,” Dauber said.

Recall supporters blasted Persky attorney James McMannis for telling Vogue Magazine that Turner’s victim was never attacked.

Opponents are telling voters recalling a sitting judge threatens judicial independence.

“To recall a judge for one bad decision would have dramatic negative effects throughout our criminal justice system,” Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said.

Emotions are running high as police had to order a recall opponent to keep his distance from supporters as they jockeyed for camera time. 

Also on the ballot, along with the recall, are the names of two women, Angela Storey, president of the Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association and Prosecutor Cindy Hendrickson.

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