Local Connection question - 2 swfs sending/receiving same variable?

All of the tutorials I have found re: local connections seem to outline 1 swf sending info & the other swf receiving.
Is it possible to have two swfs using exactly the same action script for their variables to effect each other?

I’ve got two swfs with 2 different sets of buttons who react the same way on roll over. Once a button is selected it remains highlighted.

I want to know if I can have a button in swf 1 highlighted but un-highlight when a button in swf 2 is selected?

Anyone done this before?
Where do I start?