Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney are tied for LAST when it comes to ties. A serious political candidates needs a serious tie to make a powerful statement. Pastels are powerless, pale, passive, and pathetic. High-stakes contenders in the political or business arena need to work with an image consultant so their words are congruous with their "message without words" - their image.
Most men favor blue, and they tell me it is their favorite color 99% of the time. However, dark blue conveys power, while pastel versions of this color put you to sleep. Save these ties for the country club, gentlemen.