Greg Remensperger, executive vice president of the Oregon Automobile Dealers Association, said his members voiced "overwhelming support" for the measure that would impose the so-called blue law, The (Portland) Oregonian reported Saturday.

The group says closing down for a day would cut dealers' costs and give workers a day off. Eleven states have prohibitions on Sunday auto sales.

The newspaper said it is unclear how lawmakers will respond to the request considering their full plate given the financial downturn and resulting need for budget cutting.

"No question, there's some troubled times out there," Remensperger said. "It has to do with $4-per-gallon gas, the troubled economy, people being worried about their paychecks and their livelihood."

In Medford, Ore., Lithia Motors, which operates 98 stores in several states, has cut its payroll by 1,000 people, through the sales of dealerships and downsizing.

"I've been through six recessions and this is as bad as any of them," said Sid DeBoer, Lithia chairman and chief executive.

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