** UPDATED ** See below.

Del. Christopher B. Shank, the minority whip in the Maryland House of Delegates, announced through his Facebook page on New Year's Eve that he will challenge Sen. Donald F. Munson for his seat this fall. Shank, a Washington County Republican, will make a more traditional announcement 5 p.m. Friday at Parkway Neuroscience in Hagerstown.

Munson, 72, has been a senator for almost two decades. Shank, in his Facebook announcement, wrote he respects Munson but that "it is time for someone who will challenge the status quo that is leading this state in the wrong direction." Shank, 37, said Munson has "either been silent and not provided this leadership or, worse yet, voted the wrong way."

** This is a message from Shank: "Just to clarify, I have no plans whatsover to abandon my House seat, nor did I ever. I am seeking election to the Maryland Senate. Our current term does not expire until the 2010-2014 term begins in January 2011 and I will be serving until the completion of my current term in the House of Delegates. Should I be fortunate enough to be elected by the voters of Washington County, I would begin that term in 2011."