Political Football: A stimulus package Florida can accept

Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott welcomes Redskins fans and their money.

Finally, Washington D.C. is offering a stimulus package that a Florida Governor can accept without reservation. On behalf of the 19 million residents of the Sunshine State and Jags' fans far and wide, I extend a hearty welcome to the passionate Redskins fans whose contributions to our local economy represent the most reliable offer made from the Beltway in years. Yes, we'll take your money.

An average NFL game benefits the Jacksonville economy by many millions of dollars, and it does so without adding a dime to the national debt. I'm also excited to learn of the cost savings the folks in Washington are considering, even if it is only in terms of Donovan McNabb's contract. It's encouraging to see that, as J.I. Halsell suggests, $62,500 can be saved by listing McNabb as the third-string quarterback for the next two games. Free-market stimulus and fiscal responsibility like this just seem too good to be true.

Yet Sunday's football game in Jacksonville represents much more than a sales tax bailout for the porkbelly fans traveling from the District and beyond. We offer a debt-free option to compensate for the 30 degree (Fahrenheit) deficit facing the less venturesome fans huddling in front of the television.

While we're all eager for the drama of the game to surpass the theater of Donovan McNabb's contract and the coaching entanglements of the Shanahan Clan, Redskins fans in particular can find the peace of mind they crave this holiday season basking in the sun that the hospitality of the Sunshine State offers without fail.

To those visiting: Welcome and consider sticking around. No income tax, year-round sunshine, sandy beaches for miles and the Jacksonville Jaguars. It doesn't get any better than this.