Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann said yesterday his online merchandise company will begin paying the state's 6 percent sales tax on items sold to Pennsylvania customers.

Swann Inc. sells merchandise that includes autographed footballs for $200 and Lynn Swann Hall of Fame 2001 baseball caps for $15.

"It's a very small amount I would think and we'll get it figured out," said Mr. Swann, who was speaking at an event in suburban Harrisburg. Mr. Swann is the president of Swann Inc., based in Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Mr. Swann made the comments after reporters asked him about a Department of Revenue inquiry into whether Swann Inc. should be collecting state sales tax on some of the football memorabilia sold on the Web site.

Mr. Swann is unopposed for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.