By Christian Britschgi, includes “… Perhaps as intended, the checks are forcing Newsom's Republican opponents … to perform some awkward political contortions as they try to criticize the governor without coming out against free money. … ‘We believe people are better suited than we are to make determinations for themselves on how best to use these dollars,’ he said … striking a rare libertarian note. And if it helps him beat the recall too, I'm sure he won't mind.”