I did a little test with the starter on the bench. When I ground the starter and apply +12V to the large positive lead nothing happens. When I apply +12V to the small positive terminal, the starter moves forward and turns slowely. If I then put the +12V on the large positive lead and jump to the small lead, it moves forward and spins like a demon. I'm guessing this is what is supposed to happen and that the large positive lead is always hot and the small terminal is the "kick starter".
If all is well with the starter as noted above, then I'm guessing that I have a short to the small positive lead and that if I get under the car with a meter that I'll get a positive voltage even without turning the ignition on. Unfortunately, the car is outside, it's dark, and it's raining so it will have to wait. What do you think?