Obama rolls up his sleeves

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Barack Obama is pushing for commitments to public service, visiting an emergency homeless shelter for teenagers in the nation's capital.

Accompanied by Martin Luther King III, Obama went to the Sasha Bruce House, touring the facility and introducing himself to workers. The outing came on the holiday honoring slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

At point, Obama took off his jacket, grabbed a paint roller and pitched in as workers were painting a wall.

Obama once was immersed in such work as a community organizer in Chicago.

Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., told CNN that Obama will be able to use "the bully pulpit" of the office to press for a heavier commitment to public service. Clyburn said that he "speaks with authority on that subject. ... He has been validated by his own life experiences."