HARRISBURG -- Many sports fans know that Lynn Swann was a star receiver for the Steelers. Many people also know that he's the Republican candidate for governor this year.

But who knew that he's the author of a new book? Well, a co-author, anyway.

Mr. Swann stopped at the state Capitol yesterday to tout his new paperback, "A New Direction: My Plan for a Better Pennsylvania," which he put together with Robert Heiler, a Washington, D.C., writer.

"It gives my vision for moving Pennsylvania forward," the GOP candidate said. "It reflects my conversations over recent months with the people of this state and outlines a new direction for Pennsylvania to go."

The 143-page book has 12 chapters, giving Mr. Swann's views on such statewide topics as reducing property taxes, promoting business growth through lower taxes, improving children's education, helping farmers, making state government more efficient, cleaning up the environment and improving transportation.

It's available on the candidate's Web site, www.lynnswannforgovernor.com, but a contribution of $10 or more to the Swann campaign is requested. Mr. Swann is far behind Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell in fund raising. Mr. Swann said he hopes to begin running TV commercials by late this month.

Mr. Swann's campaign media consultant, Stuart Stevens, suggested Mr. Heiler as ghostwriter. Mr. Swann has had many conversations about his positions on issues with Mr. Heiler riding in buses and cars to campaign events in recent months.

Swann spokesman Leonardo Alcivar said it's not unprecedented for a candidate to write a book. He said Democrat Bill Clinton's presidential campaign benefited in 1992 from publicity about a book he wrote called "Putting People First."