Carter congratulates Reagan, asks for debates

President Carter telephoned Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan Thursday to congratulate him on his nomination and challenge him to a series of debates in various parts of the United States. A White House spokesman said the President proposed a series of at least three or four debates. The White House said any words on Mr. Reagan's response to the challenge would have to come from the Reagan camp.

Later Thursday, Mr. Carter, who is vacationing in his Georgia home, flew to Florida to make several campaign speeches.