Electrical woes...please read

[fastsvo]

Hi guys, today I gave my fastback it's first real world driving experience in 5 years and in the end, left me stranded. Here's the problem. Something is causing a big drain/short in the elec. system, because when jump started the car soon began to misfire and die and turning the key resulted in nothing. This condition was backed up with another attempt later in the evening, with the same results. Broke out the test light and began poking. At the batt,alt, and starter solenoid I get a very bright light, but when the key is turned to the run position (one click to the right), everything but the alt. gives me a very dim light. Also, the hot connection at the coil is very dim. So what gives? Actually even the interior lights turn dim when the key is turned on. Could the starter solenoid or even the starter causing this? What about the regulator? If the solenoid gives a bright light on the right and goes dim on the left side (the "I" post I believe), doesn't that make it a suspect? Remember, the alternator still shines a bright light when the key is turned on. The solenoid is a new motorcraft unit and the starter is a Pep Boys special. Any help would be appreciated, because I need to get this car running tomorrow. Thank you.