text_field value as a local variable in in-line template function

Hi,

I'd like to conserve the sum total of several text fields on my form, even as I set them to blank upon a user link action.

The following in-line snippet fails to store the value of my sum total field locally for eventual reassignment. (I am re-assigning it because the fields all have an observe_field nexus relating them, which complicates things.)

<%= link_to_function "Itemize expenses" do |page|                 ...                 local_var = page[:operating_expense_admin_total].value     page[:operating_expense_admin_other].value = ""     page[:operating_expense_admin_advertising].value = ""     page[:operating_expense_admin_management_fee].value = ""                 page[:operating_expense_admin_total].value = local_var end %>

What is the proper way to extract values, store them locally and reassign them , per the attempt above?

Thanks,

Grar