2500 mile question

Hi all, I have a problem with my 71 scamp, it has a points distributor and the other day my daughter drove it to work and when she went to leave it would not start. When she turns the key to the start position the car starts and runs, but when she lets off the key to the run postion the car dies. AND here's the kicker. I'm 2500 miles away in virginia and the car is in graham, wa. I have a friend that will repair it, I just need to give him direction.
I think it's the ballast resistor but before I give him direction I need some who is much more savy with the electrical system of a points distributor wiring system to either say yea! or nay to my thoughts.

thank you

kevin