Hugh Hewitt Accuses Rep. Brat, Freedom Caucus of Holding House 'Hostage'

Virginia Rep. Dave Brat and the House Freedom Caucus are "holding the House hostage" by blocking the vote to replace House Speaker John Boehner, conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt said Sunday, and he hopes Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan will reconsider wanting to stay out of the race.

"The Freedom Caucus is like 15 people," Hewitt said on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, even though the caucus actually has 40 people, reports The Hill. "Paul Ryan is liked by 225 Republicans. Get with the program."

Hewitt and Brat, who were on the show's roundtable, sparred a bit, with the radio show host accusing the lawmaker and the Freedom Caucus for being lukewarm on Ryan.

"How do you know we're not with the program?" Brat replied to Hewitt. The tea party favorite is in his first term, after defeating former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., in a primary upset that took out Cantor, who had been long considered to be the one who would one day replace Boehner.

And when Hewitt pushed Brat on whether he'd support Ryan, the lawmaker replied that he has five policies outlined on his website, and that if Ryan goes with them, "we're going to give him a strong look."

Hewitt also slammed another panel member, Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., but Dent said he will support Ryan, who he called a "very smart man," but he will still "have to make accommodations and collaborate with the Democrats."

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