I removed the pedestal baseplate from the floor to gain access to the release button. The button fell out when I turned the plate over. The button is light plastic and has teeth that lock the pedestal to keep it from turning. While pressing the button, you turn the pedestal 1/4 turn counterclockwise and this allows it to be lifted out.
Reinserting the pedestal and turning it clockwise locks it into place. I suspect when the pedestal was inserted at the factory, the assembly line worker applied too much pressure and put the release button in a bind.
Thanks for all the replies.
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