It's pretty much the same thing. In writing, you have a blank page for you to start with.

VOA: special.2011.08.08

In an appearance a blank check. before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ambassador Holbrooke said President Obama's decision to send 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan would help bolster the war effort.

VOA: standard.2009.05.12

MENENDEZ: "I'm just not here a blank check. I said that in the previous administration, and as much as I respect this one, I believe the same standards have to apply."

VOA: standard.2009.05.12