The Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast-cancer charity on Friday abandoned plans to eliminate grants to Planned Parenthood. The startling decision came after three days of virulent criticism that resounded across the Internet, jeopardizing Komen’s iconic image. “We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women’s lives,” a Komen statement said.

Congresswoman Judy Biggert learned Thursday she’s the lone Republican running in the 11th Congressional District and, given campaign finance reports, that may have been the case all along. She’ll face a stiffer challenge in November when her Democratic opponent will almost surely have shown better fundraising acumen than her one-time GOP opponents. Biggert was the only one of three Republicans to report any money raised or spent in the most recent filing period. Both Jack Cunningham and Diane Harris — who were booted from the ballot because of flawed nominating petitions — had not reported any contributions.

 In the Democratic primary race for the state’s new 84th House District seat, Carole Cheney has a fundraising advantage over her two opponents. According to campaign records filed with the  Illinois State Board of Elections , Cheney brought in $32,858 in the last three months of 2011. Her fundraising total leads fellow Democratic candidates Stephanie Kifowit, who collected $12,760, and Alex Arroyo, who received $2,930 in the same time span.