You stated that you wouldn't do what you have heard the horror stories say some leo's are doing to law abiding citizens with weapons. You also stated that you would personally like to know if someone was armed because that honesty would cause you to relax a bit (as it is probably true that most people who tell you they have a permit and are armed are probably NOT planning on shooting you). You did NOT state that this was the law or that you would be a jerk if they didn't.
I don't see any reason why this would give you bad reps.
I don't usually talk to your normal citizen, even at car stops. It would be refreshing to have that encounter.