WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton says he didn't ask Democratic candidate Kendrick Meek to drop out of the Florida Senate race, but says the two spoke about the race and its challenges.
Clinton issued a statement on Friday in which he called Meek a close friend. He said he and Meek spoke last week after a rally in Orlando. Clinton said he told Meek that how he goes forward in the race was his decision to make.
Clinton said he still believes Meek could be the best senator for Florida.
Meek trails in a three-way race with Republican Marco Rubio and Gov. Charlie Crist, who abandoned the GOP to run as an independent. Meek went on TV to swat down reports that he had told Clinton that he would drop out to improve Crist's chances of defeating the front-runner Rubio.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton says he didn't ask Democratic candidate Kendrick Meet to drop out of the Florida Senate race, but says the two spoke about the race and its challenges.
Clinton issued a statement on Friday in which he called Meek a close friend. He said he and Meek spoke last week after a rally in Orlando. Clinton said he told Meek that how he goes forward in the race was his decision to make.
Clinton said he still believes Meek could be the best senator for Florida.
Meek trails in a three-way race with Republican Marco Rubio and Gov. Charlie Crist, who abandoned the GOP to run as an independent. Meek went on TV to swat down reports that he had told Clinton that he would drop out to improve Crist's chances of defeating the front-runner Rubio.
(This version corrects spelling of Meek.)
