A small group of Republicans plans to raise money to oppose the recall of Democratic Gov. Gray Davis, saying it could lead to an "endless cycle of political instability."

"It could destroy whatever shred remains of civilized political discourse in this great state," GOP consultant Scott Barnett said in announcing the formation of Republicans Against the Recall.

Barnett was joined at a news conference outside a state office building by developer Mike Madigan and Bill Marvin, a former chairman of the San Diego County Republican Party, who said he was no fan of the governor.

"I'm not here to praise Caesar and I'm also not here to stick a knife in Caesar's back," Marvin said. "I'm here in defense of the process."

The state GOP should focus its efforts on helping President Bush win California in next year's election and electing Republicans to the legislature, he said, instead of gambling on a recall.

"This is not Venezuela, folks," Marvin said. "This is not a banana republic."

Barnett said no members of the group were being paid for their work, but acknowledged it would accept money from Democrats, likening it to taking "the devil's money to do the Lord's work." He said a public relations firm in Sacramento, Woodenship, was doing work for the group.

The group had barely finished its announcement when San Diego County GOP leaders gathered a few feet away and dismissed the anti-recall effort as an act of political deception intended to create the appearance of discord within the party.

"These are three guys, a fax machine and an attitude," said San Diego County GOP Chairman Ron Nehring. "This does not represent a rift in the Republican Party, whatsoever."

San Diego County has been a stronghold of support for recalling Davis. Voters in San Diego County have contributed more signatures than any other county in California to qualify the recall for the ballot. Darrell Issa, a Republican businessman from San Diego County, is bankrolling the effort with a $1 million of his own money.

Davis' allies are launching a campaign to thwart Republican-led efforts to recall him. A group of labor unions, civil rights organizations, church groups and some business leaders also have formed a group to oppose the recall.