Lynn Swann, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, yesterday grabbed the endorsement of Pennsylvania's top small-business owners group.

During a visit to Noftz Sheet Metal on Penn Avenue in the Strip District, Mr. Swann won the backing of the National Federation of Independent Business in his bid to unseat Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.

"Lynn Swann has earned the respect of small-business owners and working families throughout Pennsylvania," said Rich Gallo, vice chair of the NFIB Leadership Council for Pennsylvania.

Mr. Gallo said the endorsement was based on Mr. Swann's "strong support" on key small- business issues. He said nearly 90 percent of NFIB's 20,000 members in Pennsylvania had recommended the backing of Mr. Swann.

"He will work to create an environment in this state where small employers can grow and create jobs. Clearly, Lynn Swann understands that high taxes and overregulation have hamstrung Pennsylvania's job creators," he said.

Mr. Gallo said the candidate has embraced a small-business agenda that includes reining in state spending, reducing regulation and junk lawsuits, and helping to provide more affordable health care to employers and their employees.

In accepting the endorsement, Mr. Swann said his goal was to run state government "much more efficiently, as you run your small business."