Despite the distractions of a blizzard, the Hallmark Holiday and the Netflix drop of Season 2 “House of Cards,” politicos still gave us enough fodder for this week’s Ups & Downs. See who made the list.

Brad Koplinski. The Harrisburg City Councilman revealed bad news for his Lieutenant Governor campaign this week. Koplinski has just $16,000 on hand and loaned himself $15,000. But, he was by far the highest vote getter at Democratic state committee last weekend when they voted for their LG endorsement, in a strong showing of party establishment support for his race.

Rob McCord. Pennsylvania’s largest teacher’s union – and one of the state’s most prominent unions overall – threw its support behind the State Treasurer. It has the largest Pa. membership of any labor union to endorse in the primary thus far. Only the statewide AFL-CIO is larger.

Keystone Progress. The liberal advocacy organization sent an offensive and hyperbolic email to supporters this week, claiming that because Governor Corbett refused the federal expansion of Medicaid as part of the Affordable Care Act, he’s killed 4 people that day. Corbett instead opted for a hybrid plan that would subsidize Medicaid-eligible individuals for private insurance plans. Saying that he killed people is grossly inappropriate and baseless.

Marjorie Margolies. The Democrat aiming to regain her seat in Congress from the early 1990s got a boost from a recent breakfast fundraiser headlined by Rep. Steny Hoyer. Her campaign sent out a release after the event showing Margolies pictured with former Governor Ed Rendell and Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro. Neither of the popular Democrats endorsed Margolies officially, but attendance at her fundraiser may be a sign of unofficial support.

House Republicans. Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) announced his retirement early this week and Republicans lost the dealmaker that shepherded the major transportation bill through the House. He will serve out his term as a lame duck Speaker, seriously diminishing the chances that Republicans will achieve liquor privatization or major pension reform legislation.

Michael Smerconish. Former Philadelphia radio talk show host landed a job as a weekly host on CNN’s Saturday morning programming. Most recently, Smerconish was an MSNBC contributor and for the last four years served as guest-host for Hardball with Chris Matthews.  He will continue hosting his radio show The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM Radio and writing a weekly column for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He’s also a UPenn & Lehigh grad.

Katie McGinty. Another setback in campaign finance for the former DEP Secretary. McGinty returned a PAC check for more than $36,000 after learning that the PAC was not licensed to give contributions in Pennsylvania. This is the second time McGinty has returned funds; the other was from James Clifford Forrest III, president Kittanning-based Rosebud Mining Co. who owns the company involved in the West Virginia spill.

Tweet of the week goes the the City of York police, who are using their Twitter account to inform and amuse followers. Well done, York.

Everything is closing and we will be forced into donut shops against our will!

— york city police (@ycpda1) February 13, 2014