This is the result:
I removed the air cleaner box to get access to the valve in question. It is mounted horizontally, and two screws secure it. Fortunately, it is not difficult to get to. Removed it and it seemed to be binding a bit but not ever handled one before I cannot be sure. I pulled out the plunger and blasted it out with carb spray, shook it out and let it sit to allow the residual to evaporate. I will say again that the buggy has less than 200mi on it, so it didn't seem dirty. It feels like there is a small motor in there that moves the plunger. I gave it a blast of wd40 and put the plunger and spring back together. Moving the plunger, it seemed less "stiff". Re-installed it and the other parts and test drove it. Seems to have done the job as the engine behaves as it should. I got all the numbers off the part in case I have to replace it. Apparently, one cannot get it without buying the entire throttle body for >$400.00, there's almost always a "work around".
Thanks for the advice,
W.S.
Cave Creek, AZ.