What’s with the blue ties?

All the Repubs are showing up for their Big Events in blue.  The Shrub showed up for the SotU sporting a lovely light blue tie.  I would even call it ‘periwinkle’.  
  
 Then Mr. Mitt appeared: 
 and Candidate McC with his rather large and enthusiastic striped number: 
   
 So what’s the deal?  For years Republicans have been known for their red ties and red states.  Yet all of a sudden they are sporting blue.  Is blue the new red?  Or are they trying to send us a subliminal message?  ”No, really, I’m not a neo-con.  I’m a reasonable  Repub.  Truuuuuusssst me.” Which all segues rather nicely (backwards) into my last post –