NEWS FLASH

Former McCain Chief Economist Tells ThinkProgress Economy Is ‘Picking Up,’ Expects Continued Growth In 2012 | MIAMI, Florida — Conservative economist Doug Holtz-Eakin, who served as John McCain’s chief economist during his 2008 presidential campaign, told ThinkProgress this morning that “things are picking up” and he expects the economy to grow at a significant clip this year and next. Holtz-Eakin projected that by the end of 2012, GDP growth above 3 percent and as high as 3.5 percent “will be trend,” and by 2013, “we’re faster.” He also said President Obama deserves credit for the 2009 stimulus package, though Holtz-Eakin said he disagreed with the bill.