Gov. Dannel P. reacted cooly today to an idea recently floated by his 2006 rival for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, to allow non-citizen residents to vote in local elections.

“It’s not an idea that I’m particularly comfortable with,” Malloy said. “I think there are obligations that run with citizenship, and there are privileges that run with citizenship.”

Still, Malloy said he was willing to learn more.

“I’m more than willing to hear the mayor out on it,” he said.