[flexcoders] ComboBox in Component won't open to Saved Value

[Dan Pride]

Hi
 I  have a ComboBox used as a Popup on a form component.
It saves fine using the following function

     private function closeGenderPop(event:Event):void {
       ComboBox(event.target).selectedItem.label}; 
       

I want to have it display the stored value the next time it is opened.
I tried this but no luck.  

               private function openGenderPop(event:Event):void {
       genderPop.selectedIndex = 1; 
        ComboBox(event.target).selectedItem.label; }

Really appreciate the help

Dan Pride