The sign in the adjoining photograph required a phone call.  It’s an arrow board outside what was Palmer Dodge — now Palmer Automotive on 96th Street in Carmel.  The dealership is determined to stay in business even without the Chrysler franchise.  It was gone when the staff went to work on Wednesday morning.

I just talked to Gary Huffman, the president of Palmer Automotive.  He said the dealership still has people in the waiting room.  His staff is still selling cars — just used rather than new, now.  And, they are doing service on cars owned by past customers.  So, Huffman says he’s “pleasantly surprised” by the activity he’s seen since Wednesday.

The ”1956″ at the bottom of the sign is not the dealership’s address.  That’s the year Palmer opened with its former corporate affiliation.  Now, Huffman says Palmer Automotive is in talks with another nationally-recognized company to expand its service options — and extend its legacy in the Indianapolis car industry.

Rep. Mike Pence issued a statement this morning in support of State Treasurer Richard Mourdock’s challenge to the Chrysler bankruptcy.

Here it is:

“I am pleased that the Supreme Court respected the contract rights of the bondholders by staying the case.  Chrysler retirees and secured creditors deserve the right to equal protection under the law.  It is my hope that the Court will take up this case and that negotiations can proceed with all concerned parties without unions and government making backroom deals at the expense of others.”