Rick, drain the carb with the main jet plug on the bottom of the carb. When you introduce the new fuel be sure and let some through to flush the lines and carb with the same plug. Then try again.
Good to hear of more activity at least.
Once the carb has been "sucked out" and you try restarting about how long were you cranking before checking the throat again and finding a puddle? You should not have a puddle unless you were cranking for a good while. Perhaps the carb needle & seat are leaking.
Check for air leaks around the carb gaskets and the scavange tube too.
Have you tried "motor crack" (starting fluid) at all?
Were there any other troubles starting before this episode?
Dave Neptune