In response to my bright light problem, Tyrone responds:

"Another symptom of a dying ignition switch."

I find this extremely interesting as just last weekend the "start" position on
my ignition switch went out (I jumped in a starter button as a temporary fix).
(Also note my wife and I had to push start the van on our anniversary--much
reminicent of our dating days in college.)  Although the insight is uncanny, I
cannot understand how a faulty ignition switch could cause the brights to stay
on.  Is there more to the ignition switch than the approximately 6 wire
connection that attaches just below the key?

[Thanks Tyrone for the help]