In an ominous sign for congressional leaders trying to fashion a bipartisan compromise, not a single House Republican from California intends to vote for a health care bill that contains a public insurance option.

A survey by the California News Service found that all 19 of the state's Republicans in the House ---- including the four who represent North San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County ---- oppose a public option, with most indicating there are no circumstances under which they would vote in favor of a bill that included one.

In contrast, all but two of California's 34 Democratic House members and both U.S. senators unequivocally support a public option, with most indicating there are no circumstances under which they would vote in favor of a bill without it.

Reps. Dennis Cardoza, D-Fresno, and Jim Costa, D-Bakersfield, are the only California congressmen who have not yet taken a public position.

The survey, which included interviews and a review of speeches and other public statements, provides fresh evidence of the partisan divide that has made consensus on health care seemingly impossible.

"It would be dumb luck if Democrats can fashion a bill that has bipartisan appeal,'' said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, whose 49th Congressional District includes Fallbrook and Temecula.

Disagreement over whether to include a public option ---- the name given to a proposal to create a government-run insurance plan to compete with private insurers ---- has emerged as the biggest obstacle to advancing a health care bill to the floor for a vote.

Congressional leaders are trying to blend legislation passed by five separate committees, four of which contain a government-run alternative.

Most Democrats argue that providing competition is essential to keep the insurance industry honest and premiums down. Republicans warn it will drive private insurers out of business and lead to a government-run health system.

"The biggest question is: Is it an opportunity to give more choice, or is it a tactic to eliminate all choice except for the Washington system?" said Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Solana Beach, whose 50th Congressional District includes Carlsbad and Escondido.

Standing with their party are Reps. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, and Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs.

President Barack Obama supports a public option, but has made it clear he is open to other ideas that might attract broader support and some Republican votes.

California's partisan divide suggests there is little middle ground. In interviews with House members and their staff, there was no hint of bipartisan discussions or compromise proposals that might lead to a common agreement.

"For all the talk President Obama and congressional Democrats have made about being open to bipartisan ideas, there hasn't been any outreach from the White House or congressional leaders to me about meeting to discuss my proposal or other ideas to create truly bipartisan reform,'' Issa said. "Most Republicans have received the same treatment for the ideas they've put forward.''

Issa and other Republicans have promoted plans to expand private insurance to those who can't afford it. They have rejected proposals that call for substantial government involvement.

Roughly 7 million Californians lack health insurance, including almost a half-million in San Diego County and more than a half-million in Riverside County.

It is not clear how many Californians would be eligible for a government-run insurance plan. The plans under discussion would be available only to those who do not receive insurance from their employer, and would not be available to undocumented immigrants.

If the entire Congress mirrors California's delegation, Democrats will have no difficulty winning passage of a public-option measure in the House.

However, it is not clear that Democrats can muster the 60 votes needed to force a vote on the public option in the Senate.

One scenario that appears increasingly likely is for the House to pass a bill containing a public option and for the Senate to pass one without. The issue would then be resolved by a conference committee consisting of House and Senate members. A unified version would be sent back to each chamber for a vote.

Members of both parties predicted the other side might buckle when it comes time for a final vote. Some Republicans asserted that Democrats will not jeopardize passage of Obama's top domestic priority if the only choice before them is a measure without a public option.

Other Republicans said they could consider a compromise so long as they were assured the public option didn't turn into a big government program.

"If there was a restriction to keep the public option from becoming a public-run monopoly, there is a possibility there,'' Bilbray said.

The California News Service is a journalism project of the University of California's Washington Center. E-mail CNS@ucdc.edu.