I think the original problem was just running it out of gas.  It didn't occur to me since it doesn't get ridden but I guess even starting once a week will run it out eventually.  I wore the battery down before I realized it needed gas.  So I added gas and tried to jump it.  I think I fried something electrical.  I was seeing spark when I checked for it but it may have been weak, I don't know how big it should be.  So I decided to walk away and take a break and come back fresh in a week.  When I came back I put in the a new plug and thought I would check for spark again before installing  it.  This time no spark.  Swapped coils, still no spark.  So I swapped out the alternator.
THIS IS WHERE THE CURRENT PROBLEM BEGINS.
When I push the start button I hear the decomp click, the solenoid clicks, and then nothing.  I swapped starters, same result.  If I remove the starter and ground it it spins when it's supposed to.  Replace it and no go.  I removed the generator cover again and checked the gears that engage the starter.  They seem right. I was able to turn the starter shaft by hand and see the gears turn  the engine.  Put it back together and same story.  Any ideas?

I guess I just needed some encouragement to get in there again.  I only found one washer but pics in Clymer's and the parts fiche don't show any.  So I tried it in a couple locations close to where it was and every time I put the cover back on I had the same result.  So I left it out and closed it up and WOOHOO it started right up and ran til I shut it off.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

WD 40 uses propane for propellant. Makes a good test fuel. I hesitate to use starting fluid on gas engines. Too much is not so hard to do, IMO.