Former California Gov. Pete Wilson did not dismiss the possibility that he might challenge U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer in 2004 when asked about it this week at a fund-raising event in Lake Sherwood.

Wilson said he "learned a while ago never to say never" when asked Wednesday night for a reaction to speculation that he might pursue the seat. He smiled as he recalled the results of a statewide poll taken earlier this year that showed Republicans prefer him to any other party contender.

Nonetheless, Wilson said he has not formed any type of a committee to look into the possibilities.

He said it was the first time he's addressed the matter publicly since poll results were released in April.

"It's a very different job than governor," said Wilson, who served as the 36th governor of California from 1991 to 1999. Before that he was a U.S. senator from 1983 to 1991.

"I enjoyed both, but they're quite different. It's the difference between being a CEO ... and being one of 100 in what is probably the ultimate of legislative responsibilities."

Wilson was in Ventura County Wednesday to show his support at a fund-raising event for another Republican, Jeff Gorell, a candidate for state Assembly in the 37th District. Gorrell, a deputy district attorney, is seeking to replace Assemblyman Tony Strickland, who cannot run again because of term limits.

Gorell's likely competition will be Strickland's wife, Audra, and Mike Robinson, an aide to state Sen. Tom McClintock of Thousand Oaks.

The fund-raiser was held at the Lake Sherwood home of Ed Hogan, founder of the Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays travel agency.

In a brief interview, Wilson also addressed the current challenges being faced by Gov. Gray Davis, who succeeded Wilson.

Although Wilson faced budget issues during his tenure, as well as the rumblings of a recall effort, he said the situation is different for Davis.

But Wilson did not answer directly the question of whether he supports a recall. The question was put to him twice.

Wilson said: "Initially I didn't and didn't have any role in it. ... It looks like it's going to happen whether I think it's a good idea or not."

Wilson said he thinks the recall process "is something that should be used rarely, sparingly," and that it must be planned well.

"If there is a recall, then you've got this sort of sudden-death shootout and as a partisan I'm concerned that if it's going to happen that there be people who are prepared to submit themselves as candidates," he said. "It's a free-for-all."