Richard, what I just don't happen to believe, is that a "name factor' is involved in it, nor politics,either... I think that 'Dusky Challenger' stand on its' own Merit, & has been so popular for so many years, as it it really isn't just "any old ,ordinary" Iris. I do tend to think, it was worthy, of all the recognition it received, for being exactly what it is, an outstanding example, of what a classical looking, well performing & much loved Iris, by so many, that have continued to vote for it, in spite of it's age.
I don't tend to think, politics is involved, in the 'voting procedure" for Iris & isn't anything nearly like voting for political office & especially not in an organization, about Iris lovers, opinions.
As for "name recognition', do you really think it is all about a Space Shuttle, or the hybridizers, "name recognition"? Rather, I tend to think, it is due to 'Dusky Challenger' being recognized on it's own merits & being recognized as a very garden worthy Iris, to stand on it's own. It's an "all time favorite" & voted, for , because of simply, that !
Politics & name recognition aside..For instance, I don't particularly care for the cultivar name "Thorn Bird', & happen to think people voted for it, because they liked it & not because of its' name, or any politics, either. But, it gets many votes & stayed near the top, too.. To me, it is similar to Royal Horticultural Society ( RHS) & a particular plant cultivar, or species, being honored, with Award of Garden Merit, as is done, in the U.K.
