It has to be something from the breaker because other lights on that breaker worked until I turned it off, now none on that circuit work. Common sense would tell me that it is not a switch issue anymore, plus the breaker just doesn't feel like it is all the way on. I bought another breaker anyways. Lowes didn't have a GE 1 Pole 20 Amp breaker so I got what looks to be the same except it is an ABB 1 Pole 20 Amp. I'll make sure they are compatible before I trust it.
The shame of all this is that my father was an electrician and I never paid attention to any of it when I was growing up. If I had paid attention when he or my uncle needed my help I would know electricity, auto repair, welding, etc. I did learn how to cut cows, clean deer, and have a hog killing from start to finish on the coldest days of Winter though. If we ever go back to days of living off the grid at least I will fare better than most.
Is the switch in a metal box? Its possible the breaker is tripping due to hot wire grounding on something. You can disconnect the switch and see if breaker will reset. That will shed light on the problem. Double check the wires to be sure nothing is grounding.
