Despite having the first-in-the-nation caucus, Iowa has been behind the rest of the nation for some time.Until today, Iowans had two choices of party affiliation: Democrat or Republican. Now they have another choice — Green.Iowa was one of the very last states to officially recognize this progressive party. While other states also recognize the Reform Party and the Libertarian Party, Iowans were limited to two parties until today.It would be nice if Iowa officially recognized a greater variety of political parties — from the Socialist Party USA to the ultra-conservative Constitution Party — a third party choice is a step in the right direction.Iowans have already shown they want more choices: 41,615 — or more than 3 percent of Iowa voters — cast their ballots for one of the third-party presidential candidates in 2000. And that was in an unbelievable close election, when voters tend to be more cautious about supporting third parties.However, the Green Party needs help from voters to remain an official party. If a Green candidate doesn’t receive 2 percent of the vote in 2002’s race for governor, the party loses its official status.No Green Party member has announced plans to run for the gubernatorial nomination. But if someone does, Iowans can show their support by voting for the Green candidate or another third-party candidate in 2002.Voting for the Green Party is a vote for stricter environmental regulations, campaign-finance reform and an increase in the minimum wage. But more than that, a third-party vote is a vote for choice.editorialboard: Carrie Tett, Greg Jerrett, Katie Goldsmith, Andrea Hauser and Jocelyn Marcus