For the record: Neil Newhouse.

• Position: Interview

Neil Newhouse is a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies, which the New York Times described as "the leading Republican polling company" in the nation. He is directing polling for Mitt Romney's presidential Campaign, and has worked on many congressional and gubernatorial campaigns. He has twice been named "Pollster of the Year" by the American Association of Political Consultants.

State Legislatures: Will the economy be the primary factor in the November election?

Neil Newhouse: While there are signs of improvement in some facets of the economy, most voters on the front lines of the economy--parents, small business owners, young people--are failing to see the turnaround. We continue to see this sentiment shared in the surveys and focus groups we conduct across the country among all types of people. Far too many people remain either unemployed or underemployed, and rising gas prices are squeezing household budgets. So, yes, the economy will be the No. 1 issue on the minds of most voters. This election will be driven by fiscal issues.

SL: Do voters think the country is moving in the right direction?

Newhouse: Even as more voters believe the country is headed in the right direction than a year ago, a significant majority remain negative, believing the country is off on the wrong track. The sluggish economy has dampened any events that could have otherwise lifted the mood of the country.

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SL: What will Washington look like Nov. 7? Who will be in the White House and who will control the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate?

Newhouse: The presidential race will come down to who voters believe can best restore the economy and create jobs. It's that simple. The House is very likely to remain under Republican control. In past presidential elections, the incumbent president's party has not gained a substantial number of seats in the House when the presidential race is close. Even in "landslide" presidential elections, the incumbent president's party has never gained as many seats as the Democrats will need this fall, which is more than 20. In the Senate, Republicans are likely to pick up seats, but whether they will gain majority status remains to be seen. If they can hold the three incumbent toss-up seats--Indiana, Massachusetts and Nevada--Republicans have a terrific shot at taking control of the Senate.

SL: Will the political landscape in the states look much different than it does today?

Newhouse: There will...