Like a good neighbor...(not)

The current issue of The American Prospect features a cover story on Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), whose charity, Operation Good Neighbor, has come under scrutiny for its expenses. Details also from the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Operation Good Neighbor donated about 40% of what it spent. The BBB says such groups should allocate 65%

The foundation's treasurer defended the organization's level of giving. If money set aside for future gifts is counted, she said, 45 percent of the money collected during the period will go toward charity.

"It is important to realize that the foundation does not have the same ability as better-known charities, such as the Salvation Army or or the American Red Cross, to raise money without spending much money to do so," treasurer Barbara Bonfiglio said in a letter posted last night on the charity's Web site.

.........or without so much campaigning to do for its Senator.