Thanks for helping me realize I had two CGI objects. I had misunderstood how CGI works with regard to objects (I was thinking each field was its own object).

I knew I was not getting data the second time around, but I didn't understand why. I read (for the nth time) the CGI.pm docs (I have them printed out because I refer to them so often). I understand better now the differences between procedural and method, but it'll take some more studying to completely figure it out. I didn't see where I had mixed up my calls.

I responded to merlyn's comments above and was able to get the code working by copying my hidden field line in my template's main form area to the button form area.

Thanks again for your help!