Mower will not start with key

Problems started with a motor choking with excessive gas ( removed and cleaned carb).did not cure the problem. Started the mower again and let it run at 1/3 speed and ran normally. Engaged the mower deck and choking started right away and then stopped.

After dis- engaging the deck I tried to start the mower with the key switch and it would not . Leaving the key on ,I was able to start the motor by jumping the solinode. Still choking at medium to high speed and now no deck engagement when I put up the knob on the dashboard. Also noted at this time that the running hours meter also was not working.

Would the seat safety switch cause all of this? Or the key switch?