WASHINGTON (AP) - The twin pressures of a looming recession and an election year combined to speed a $168 billion economic rescue plan through Congress, sweeping aside lawmakers' political differences in favor of rushing $600-$1,200 checks to their constituents.

The overwhelming House and Senate votes Thursday to approve the measure and send it to President Bush reflected lawmakers' eagerness to show they could act quickly to address economic concerns, which have replaced the Iraq war as the public's top worry.

(NECN) - Roger Clemens went door-to-door on Capitol Hill Thursday, lobbying congressmen investigating whether he used drugs.

Meanwhile, Clemens' accuser Brian McNamee, gave a seven-hour deposition behind closed doors. The trainer's lawyers presented photos of evidence they say proves Clemens was injected with steroids.

Clemens held a news conference during which his lawyers attacked the former trainer and scoffed at the new evidence.

A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. Clemens, McNamee and other witnesses, including New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte will testify.

(NECN) - Mitt Romney's decision to suspend his campaign is a huge boost for Arizona Senator John McCain. McCain now finds himself standing even closer to the Republican nomination. It is a remarkable turnaround for McCain, who just this past summer was out of money and thought to be all but out of the race.

McCain and Romney talked Thursday after Romney's announcement, but no endorsement was offered nor requested.

(NECN) - Bill Clinton attended a rally for his wife, presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, Thursday at the Portland Expo in Maine.

Hillary herself is due in the state on Saturday for a town-meeting style gathering at the University of Maine. The same afternoon, Clinton's rival Barack Obama, will speak at a rally in Bangor.

Maine's Democratic caucuses are getting more attention from the presidential candidates now that the battle has tightened.

NECN's Marnie McClean has details.

(NECN) - Speaking Thursday afternoon in Washington, Republican Mitt Romney said continuing the fight for the White House would hurt his party's chances of winning in November.

The former Massachusetts governor suspended his campaign, effectively sealing the nomination for rival John McCain.

(NECN) - Mitt Romney has ended his race for the White House and reaction was quick to come in from Republican leaders in Massachusetts.

"This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and our supporters ... many of you right here in this room ... have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming president. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America," Romney said.

There were shouts of astonishment, with some moans and others yelling, "No, No."

Romney responded, "You guys are great."

BOSTON (AP) - Curt Schilling has a "significant" shoulder injury that could require career-ending surgery, according to a report that also said the Red Sox looked into whether they can void the $8 million, 1-year-contract he agreed to three months ago.

The Boston Herald reported on its Web site on Thursday that Schilling could have an injury to his rotator cuff or labrum, one serious enough to require surgery that could end Schilling's career. The 41-year-old right-hander has said 2008 will be his last year.

(NECN) - Massachusetts authorities say a woman, who was found dead in her Medfield home Wednesday night, was apparently murdered.

Norfolk District Attorney William Keating said police were called to the home just after 7 p.m. Margaret Ninos had died from head injuries. Keating would not discuss the nature of the injuries. He also refused to answer questions about a weapon.

There have been no arrests and investigators say they have no suspects. They do not believe it was a random attack. There were no signs of forced entry in the home.

(NECN) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain spoke to a conservative political action conference in Washington Thursday.

McCain said he could not succeed without the support of conservatives, and any differences within the GOP are eclipsed by his differences with Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.

(NECN/ABC) - Authorities from the U.S. and Italy have arrested dozens of people in a huge takedown called 'trans-Atlantic drug trafficking operation' belived to be run by the Gambino crime family.

The operation, code-named "Old Bridge," was focuesd on New York and the Sicilian capital of Palermo, centered around Mafia figures who were strengthening contacts between mob groups in Italy and the United States.