40hp 402 Mercury Thunderbolt with seized choke lever

[Superwilly]

Hi, I have a mid 70's 40hp 402 Thunderbolt with that ran great last year, went to start it this year, and the chock lever seems to be seized. I pulled the housing off, and can wiggle the choke against the carb by sticking my finger in, but the exterior lever itself will not budge. Even taking a pair of pliars I can't seem to move it (with what would seem an appropriate amount of force).

The lever is plastic, so I don't want to go wild and break it off, any ideas of what could cause the lever to get stuck? Any suggestions for repair?

Thanks,
-Cam