LawnBoy Mower Issue

I have a lawn boy walk behind mower. Model 10684 which I bought back in 95. Been using it just fine this summer until a few days ago. Mowed for about a half an hour and went to start it and it would even try to run. This mower usually starts on the first or second pull each time. I took the air filter off and blew it out. Changed the spark plug. Even changed the oil (because it was due). None of which helped. Took air filter off and pushed the primer bulb 4 or 5 times and gas dripped out of the carb so it looks like gas is getting that far. Spark plug is we with fuel. I can't tell if it's getting spare because I can't pull the cord while I watch for spark. It doesn't even try to start.
Could it be something in the carberator or even the safety cable from the safety bar that you have to hold down when starting? Any help would be great.

 

Sounds like the control/clutch cable may have stretched, remove the kill wire and try to start it, if it starts you will need to remove the spark plug wire to stop it, some LB's have an adjustment for the cable. Have a good one. Geo

 

to check the spark just take the plug out and reconnect it to the wire and lean it on the head in a way that it holds itself against a fin and then test it with the garage door shhut or at night and you'll see a spark if its sparking