U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne says he's concerned with the image hit that Alabama is taking amid the heightened national attention to the Senate campaign between Republican Roy Moore and Democrat Doug Jones.

"I know we've gotten some negative feedback about it. I do think it damages our state, it damages our reputation," Byrne said Monday, speaking to reporters following an event at Semmes Middle School. "It damages the brand we are trying to sell across the country and across the world."

Byrne was at the school to present the staff and students with a U.S. flag that had flown over the Capitol last week. The new flag replaces one that was ripped from high winds which swept through coastal Alabama during Hurricane Nate.

In speaking about the Senate battle, Byrne said Alabama reaped positive attention Saturday from the Iron Bowl. "We had two of the best college football teams in the country play over the weekend, and I was proud of both teams," Byrne said.

Members of Troops 88 and 90 with the Boy Scouts of America Mobile Area Council raise a new U.S. flag at Semmes Middle School on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, in Semmes, Ala. The flag was presented to the school by U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope. The new flag, which has flown over the U.S. Capitol, replaces an older flag that was ripped from high winds during Hurricane Nate. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

"I am absolutely convinced after we get through this election, that Alabama will come back and we will be fine," he said, adding, "Alabama has a way of coming back."

Byrne has said he plans to vote for Moore during the Dec. 12 general election. He told national media reporters on Nov. 16 that he's "not a Democrat" and that he doesn't vote for Democrats.

His comments echoed those of Gov. Kay Ivey, who has said she'll vote for Moore despite accusations that the former Alabama chief justice pursued and accosted teenage girls decades ago. Moore's campaign has denied any wrongdoing.

Byrne said he doesn't plan to campaign for Moore. The congressman, who represents all or parts of seven counties in the deep southern portion of the state, will be in Washington, D.C., this week once Congress reconvenes following a holiday break.

He said, "I don't know when I'm coming back home again. They won't let us loose until we pass tax reform."

Byrne has battled Moore allies in the recent past. In congressional races in 2013 and 2016, he defeated Orange Beach resident Dean Young - a chief strategist for the ex-judge's ongoing Senate bid.

Moore campaigned for Young during the 2013 runoff contest for Alabama's 1st congressional seat, which Byrne won by a 52.5-47.5 percent margin. Byrne won the rematch three years later with a 60.1-39.9 percent margin.