I would suggest the following: Regarding not returning to idle RPM when you stop- your idle may be set too high- if it's a little too high, the engine will take a long time to drop back to normal idle RPMs.
Regarding the leaking gas, I would clean the needle and seat and see if it is closing and sealing, I would check the float bowl level, and I would check the float bowl gasket. (Also, while I had the bowl off, I'd take the jets out and clean them.) This is basic carb 101, but hopefully it may help.
Good Luck-
JCW