Carburetor Spraying Gas While Engine Running

I have John Deere lawn tractor that has a 16 hp V-Twin engine. It has a manual choke. When I crank the mower, the mower runs fine, but gas sprays from the choke side of the carb. I have replaced the needle, cleaned the carb, but it still has the problem. The float is OK. Does any one have any ideas?

By James B