Don't count New York's three major-party candidates for governor among the ranks of so-called "anti-wind" activists. Asked their opinions of the proposed LIPA wind farm off Long Island's South Shore, Democrats Eliot Spitzer and Thomas Suozzi and Republican John Faso, all said that renewable energy projects such as wind farms make sense in the current energy climate, especially given the region's need for local power generation.

But there was some nimble hedging on the specifics, which have drawn criticism at recent local public meetings. The proposed project would involve 40 turbines sited 3 to 5 miles south of land between Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Park.

A proponent of nonpolluting renewable energy, Spitzer supports the LIPA proposal, spokeswoman Christine Anderson said last week. But, she added, "He'll look to the full environmental review" - due for completion by next April - "to be made aware of other impacts."

Faso went further with the wait-and-see approach, saying that while Long Island certainly needs more power, "These things all depend on location and viability." He said the proposal should go forward and that "ultimately the permits should or should not be granted based on ... whether or not it's economically or environmentally viable."

Nassau County Executive Suozzi, who endorsed the LIPA project last August, said through a spokesman: "Wind farms ... make sense environmentally and economically. The only concern raised has been the aesthetic impact. But a dot on the horizon is far better than the prospect of global warming and more smog."

Suozzi and Spitzer face off in a debate at 7 p.m. tomorrow.