A leading contender for one of Kentucky's two U.S. Senate seats met privately Thursday with Republican floor leader Mitch McConnell in a get-together that was described as cordial.

The meeting came only days after the candidate, Bowling Green eye surgeon Rand Paul, hedged about whether he would vote to keep McConnell in his Senate leadership post.

Paul, son of former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview after Thursday's meeting that he didn't intend to slight McConnell.

Paul said he has nothing but high compliments for McConnell and has no reason not to support him.

Paul has received more than $1.3 million in campaign contributions since entering the race in August and is considering a leading contender in next year's primary election.