Let's put the so-called "extravagant" inauguration of Florida's 45th governor in a little perspective.

So far, the governor-elect's inaugural committee has collected a little more than $2 million and money is still rolling in for one rollicking good time Jan. 3 and 4. But, to listen to some of the media elite, businesses donating money to celebrate a new governor is akin to Scott putting himself, his office and all of his staff on the auction block.

For 2 million-or-so bucks?

They actually think the man who lashed out $50 million of his own money to get himself to this inauguration can be bought by a measly $2 million from a group of businessmen who were mostly AWOL until September?

Would they rather see taxpayers pay for the inauguration? Would that keep the money clean if it all came out of the big public pot in Tallahassee?

Face it. This naysaying from the elections' sorest losers sounds like one big pity party.

The people bummed because the governor-elect's inauguration plans are too lavish are the same sour-grapers who voted against him or recommended against him in the Republican primary and the midterm election.

In the primary they didn't like that he financed his own campaign. Just proves you can buy your way into office, they groused. Seldom did they mention the money Scott's opponent was taking from dozens of kissy donors looking for a favor from "Governor Bill McCollum" -- especially toward the end, when polls showed Scott eating McCollum's lunch.

In the general election, while Scott pooh-poohers only grazed over Democratic candidate Alex Sink's endless donations from lawyers, unions, and other groups looking to use a friendly governor, they were persistent in their daily flogging of Scott's perceived misdeeds. You only had to see Scott under a full media attack during an Aug. 5 press conference at the Florida Press Center in Tallahassee versus Sink's lovefest in the same room nearly a month later.

The truth is, inaugurations, like any big event -- like a UF-FSU game, the Mardi Gras, a World's Fair -- are huge opportunities to cash in. Thousands of Floridians will turn up at the state capital for the festivities. They will spend money for hotel rooms. They will eat out and tip for their service. They will buy drinks, haircuts, souvenirs, clothes, photographic equipment. They will hire taxis and tuxes and caterers.

Even though Scott's people tried to get the word out, here's what you won't hear much about from the election crybabies:

Business leaders are predicting an estimated $4.5 million economic impact from the 2011 inaugural events in Florida. This is some of how they cast it:

* Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce: “There’s no better way to jump-start Florida’s economy than by holding Inaugural Day festivities that pump more than $4.5 million into Florida’s economy – and will do so without spending taxpayer dollars.”

* Mark Bonn, Florida State University's Dedman School of Hospitality: “Activities related to the gubernatorial inauguration could bring $2 million to $3 million in direct spending to the Tallahassee community.”

* John Marks, mayor of Tallahassee: "The inaugural events are a welcome boost to Tallahassee’s economy. In addition, we’ll have an opportunity to show Governor-elect Scott that Tallahassee’s vibrant business community is doing its part to rejuvenate the state’s economy." 

* Andrew Reiss, owner of Andrew's restaurant just steps from the Capitol, and caterer for the Salute to Women in Leadership Breakfast: "The inauguration comes at a particularly good time of year for us that is typically slow. These events will provide us a great boost in both our restaurant and catering business and we are proud to be a part of this celebration with Floridians from across the state.”