Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Huskee Supreme GT 24hp starting problem, battery not charging

Question
I have a 1997 Huskee Supreme GT with 24hp engine.  My problem is that I have to use a jump starter on it all the time.  I bought a brand new 360 CCA battery, and it started fine.  The next morning it would turn over, but had to be boosted to actually start.  It's like it is not charging the battery.  How and what can I check to get rid of this annoying problem?

Answer
With the battery fully charged, check that there's 12 volts at the battery.  Then start the engine and check the voltage of the battery again.  There should be a jump of 1-2 volts while running.  This will indicate the battery's charging.

If the charging system is working, then probably you have a bad key switch.  With the switch in the off position, check all the wires coming off the key switch.  There should only be voltage at the wire from the battery.

Check these things and let me know what you get.  Thanks, PK.