Voicemail from Crist to Meek surfaces

A voicemail from Gov. Charlie Crist to Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek from earlier this week emerged on Saturday, suggesting Crist asked Meek to withdraw from the three-way race. 

The existence of the voicemail comes a day after questions arose about whether former President Bill Clinton pressured Meek to give up his bid and back Crist. 

Meek says Clinton discussed the topic but didn't press him to exit the race. Instead, Meek has said it was Crist who asked him to withdraw. 

In a voicemail message left for Meek by Crist at 5 a.m. Monday, Crist asks Meek to meet sometime that day after a political event where the governor asked the Democratic congressman face-to-face to bow out. 

Reports by the St. Pete Times say Crist was calling Meek frequently in an effort to get Meek to drop out of the race. 

Meek has refused to drop out. He and Crist trail Republican Marco Rubio in the polls.

In a Saturday announcement, Clinton said he would campaign with Meek on Monday in Orlando with the mid-term election looming on Tuesday. 

Meek told reporters today that the controversy has energized his supporters and he is seeing a surge in voter participation. 

"It’s inspired them to vote," he said. "It’s inspired them to call their family members, it’s inspired them to continue to insure that democracy reigns."