car won't start until I release the key from the cranking position.

Bulkhead connectors.

In start the ballast is OUT of the system on a mopar.

Test light the coil side of ballast in start position. If it's dead, check the ign2 wire going to and out of the bulkhead. My Dart has issues with this connection all the time.
Just a quick check of that bulkhead connector revealed a little signs of discoloration. I'll swap the ballast and check the coil while cranking and report back.
thanks for the tips guys!