Setting the selected attribute on a select list using jQuery

Answer 1

I'd iterate through the options, comparing the text to what I want to be selected, then set the selected attribute on that option. Once you find the correct one, terminate the iteration (unless you have a multiselect).

 $('#dropdown').find('option').each( function() {
      var $this = $(this);
      if ($this.text() == 'B') {
         $this.attr('selected','selected');
         return false;
      }
 });