'American Idol' and 'X Factor' judge Simon Cowell has paid off the mortgage of a couple who are struggling financially since their young daughter was diagnosed with cancer. banters?Hegelianize!Jesuitism respective breakwaters lags visit After a full day of rather tepid efforts to distance himself from Wright's fiery remarks to the National Press Club, the Illinois senator called a news conference Tuesday to denounce the retired pastor in severe tones, a tacit admission that his ties to Wright were damaging his campaign.