California Gov. Gavin Newsom is taking no chances with the recall effort that’s steadily making its way toward the ballot this fall.

What’s his strategy? Running one of the oldest plays in the political book: sending taxpayers checks.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Newsom is proposing to share some of the state’s budget surplus with residents (who also just happen to be voters) in the form of bigger stimulus checks:

…Newsom…proposed a $100 billion economic stimulus plan that would triple the state’s direct cash assistance program to reach an estimated two-thirds of residents.

The announcement comes as Mr. Newsom said the state is expecting an unprecedented $75.7 billion state budget surplus, due largely to booming tax revenues from wealthy residents.

The budget proposal, if passed by the Legislature, would send $600 tax rebate checks to households making up to $75,000 and an additional $500 to families if they have children. The cost of the new checks is about $8.1 billion.

It kind of makes you wonder…if California is rolling in tax revenue, why was it necessary to give the state $150 billion in federal relief money earlier this year (on top of the billions it received in previous aid packages)?

But that’s a different question about government waste for political gain. Newsom’s $100 billion bid in an effort to make sure everyone knows he’s in charge, and free with the funds. 

Remember that when the recall election rolls around.