Gross domestic product -- total economic output -- was expected to grow 4.3 percent in 2004 and 3.7 percent in 2005, said a panel of 38 forecasters in the National Association of Business Economists (NABE).

"After a soft patch in the spring quarter the economy appeared to find firmer footing this summer," NABE president Duncan Meldrum said.

"Fortunately, our panel expects the expansion to gain additional traction over the second half of this year and advance at a solid pace in 2005," Meldrum said.

Asked how they might adjust their forecasts, 82 percent of the economists they would make no change for a win by Bush and 58 percent said no change for a win by his Democratic challenger.