When it comes to advertising icons, the GEICO Cavemen are following in the footsteps of another GEICO character, the Gecko, in popularity among television viewers.

Earlier this week, the GEICO Cavemen were listed among the country's most popular advertising icons for 2008. GEICO was on the list in 2005 as well, their aforementioned Gecko. Says Ted Ward, GEICO marketing vice president, "It's still a bit surprising how enthusiastically people have responded to the Caveman. This is our second win in the national voting. First the Gecko and now the Caveman. It's a great reflection on how we try to get our targeted messages across."

The Caveman campaign was a joint development between GEICO and the Martin Agency in Richmond, VA, and began in 2004. Since then, the sarcastic spokesmen have been a vital part of American pop culture, thanks in part to their slogan, "So easy, a caveman could do it."

In a tongue-in-cheek statement to the press, Ward said, "I called to congratulate the Cavemen for their win, but they weren't very excited. As you may know, they don't like us all that much." He added, "I guess I can see why they were offended."

Also among this year's honorees were the Serta Mattress Sheep.