Connecticut Republicans leapt on the news that Democratic Sen. Christopher J. Dodd only tallied 5 donations from Connecticut residents in the first three months of 2009, hoping they can use it to rake in more cash for themselves.

Both Republican Senate challenger Rob Simmons and the state GOP sent out e-mail fundraising appeals Friday playing off a report in the Connecticut Post that only a $4,250 of Dodd’s $1 million in total receipts in the first quarter came from Connecticut donors. Five Connecticut donors, to be exact.

“Let’s show Senator Dodd what it means to run a real grassroots campaign based on Connecticut values,” Simmons’ e-mail to supporters said. The former 2nd District House member pledged to “personally call 5 Connecticut supporters who donate online before the end of the day tomorrow” to thank them. “That’s as many Connecticut donors as Senator Dodd reported having in three months!”