Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): riding mower wont stay running, craftsman lt1000, craftsman 917

Question
got a craftsman lt1000 with a B&S Intek 18hp engine.  was working fine, then upon restart the engine shuts down whenever i lift my foot off the brake or engage the blades.  replaced the switch activated by the foot brake, but it still does the same thing.  What else could it be?  if i keep my foot on the brake and try to engage the blades it shuts down so i figured that switch was good- so i only replaced the lower switch.  If i engage the emergency brake i can take my foot off the brake pedal, but only cause it locks the pedal in place.  Runs great til i try to move her... help!  Craftsman 917.273404 is the model #.

Answer
Is there a seat switch?  Should be one.

Is there a bare wire, where the wire insulation has rubbed through and is grounding the circuit?  Check for areas where the wire harness runs through the mower frame or any holes.  Also check where you can see the wire harness...this is where I usually find bad wires...where you can see them.

Eric