Former President Bill Clinton said Friday that he did not advise Democrat Kendrick Meek to withdraw from the Florida Senate race, despite reports to the contrary.

Clinton aides confirmed Thursday that the former president had met with Meek to discuss the possibility of Meek bowing out and endorsing Independent candidate Charlie Crist, currently the state's governor. According to Politico, Clinton had told Meek that he wasn't going to win.

But Clinton said Friday that he supports Meek regardless of whether or not he stays in the race, and that he never told him to drop out.

"Kendrick Meek is my close friend," Clinton said. "I have supported his campaign from the beginning, though our relationship extends far beyond politics. We did talk last week following a rally in Orlando about the race and its challenges."

Last week, Clinton made appearances around the state to support Meek's campaign.

Reach news editor Alexandra Tilsley here. Follow her on Twitter: @atilsley.

Sign up for Neon Tommy's weekly e-mail newsletter.