WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal is defending an electronic fundraising appeal sent to supporters that refers to the elementary school massacre in Newtown.

Appearing at the University of Hartford on Friday, Blumenthal said he's been ``immersed in advocating for sensible, commonsense, preventive measures dealing with gun violence'' and ``the outreach was in support of that cause.''

The email mentions ``the horror of the Dec. 14, 2012 massacre of 20 beautiful children and six dedicated educators in Newtown'' and how Blumenthal has ``focused on serving as a leader in the national effort'' for meaningful gun reform. It then asks supporters to contribute $5.

Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Jerry Labriola Jr. said Blumenthal's appeal ``was at best insensitive.''

A New Haven Register editorial Thursday called Blumenthal's fundraising message ``tasteless as it gets.''