Craftsman lawn mower doesn't start (or stalls after 2 seconds)

Hi all,
Craftsman lawn mower with Briggs Stratton Engine model 110P 02 0003 F4, 175cc OHV, 7.25lbs-ft torque, 3 years old. Engine will not start at all or starts but stalls in a second or two. And can't restart it after that. I removed the spark plug and it was wet with fuel. I cleaned it and dried it. I reinstalled the spark plug but I didn't connect the ignition boot/terminal  to the spark plug. Instead I had my friend holding the boot/terminal approx 1/2 inch away from the spark plug itself. Pulled the cord and the engine started fine and kept running as long as the ignition boot/terminal was maintained at approx 1/2 inch away from the spark plug. So I then connected the boot/terminal to the spark plug as it should be. Pulled the cord a few times but wouldn't start (or barely sputters and dies in 2 seconds and won't start again). I'm stomped....... Can anyone help?

Thanks.
Mike