At an anti-Vietnam War "teach-in" held at Rutgers University on April 23, 1965, Professor Eugene Genovese declared himself a socialist and Marxist and that he welcomes a Viet Cong victory in Vietnam. Genovese stated, "Those of you who know me, know that I am a Marxist and a Socialist. Therefore, unlike most of my distinguished colleagues here this morning, I do not fear or regret the impending Viet Cong victory in Vietnam. I welcome it." This became a campaign issue with Governor Richard Hughes defending Genovese's First Amendment right of speech, but adding "without endorsing the opinion." His opponent, Wayne Dumont, stood on the position that supporting the enemy was not appropriate for a professor at a State University, which is funded by taxpayers. Hughes won the election. Genovese would leave Rutgers in 1967 to teach elsewhere.