Senate President pro Tempore Don Perata is often one of the more quotable legislators at the Capitol… not so much because of his position as top dog in the Senate, but more because he often says it like he feels, sans spin.

And the Oakland Democrat didn’t disappoint this afternoon, in a quick news conference before the Senate floor session.

* Perata, in true Godfather style, when asked about his reaction to the Democratic National Committee’s possible plan to take delegate votes away from California for moving the primary from June to February: “Well, I would tell all of those, my colleagues who are there, that next time they come to California and want something, I’m gonna remember that.”

* The pro tem also spoke out about his support for possible tougher restrictions on lobbying in Sacramento. Perata said the efforts at lobbying reform in DC might be worth considering here.

“We, in California, allow lobbyists to do certain things,” said Perata. “I would ban all of that, frankly. I don’t think you should take gifts from lobbyists. I don’t think there ought to be a $10 limit. I think it ought to be banned permanently.” [Listen to his comments here]

* And when asked about efforts to modify the state’s current term limits law, the Senate leader admitted that it might be an easier fight if new term limits rules didn’t apply retroactively to folks like him. Nonetheless, he argued that it makes sense for current legislators to also be beneficiaries of any changes.

“Too much is made about political self-interest,” he said. “I believe there’s a real problem with lack of continuity here [at the Capitol].” [Listen to his comments here]