Officials at the Kennedy School of Government have invited President Carter to speak at the dedication ceremonies for the school's new building next month, and expect an answer from the White House soon.

Carter's appearance at the school was originally scheduled to coincide with a fundraiser for Gov. Michael S. Dukakis, but since Dukakis's defeat in the Sept. 19 primary, there is speculation that Carter may not come, Allan Raymond, Dukakis's press secretary, said yesterday.

Jonathan Moore, director of the Institute of Politics, said earlier this week he invited Carter three weeks ago to come and speak. He added he has been in touch with White house officilas since then, but has not received any answer yet.

"I think the chances that he will come are very slight. There is a possibility he might be in the New England area, and if he is, then he probably would come," Rowan Costin '74, assistant to the dean of the Kennedy School, said yesterday.

Nobody But Carter

Although there is a long list of possible speakers for the program on October 20, Moore has so far asked only Carter to come.

Dukakis, Senator Edward M. Kennedy '54 (D-Mass) and Rep. Thomas P. O'Neill (D-Mass) will attend the two-day ceremonies, which include a gala black tie dinner Saturday evening, to celebrate the completion of the $11 million building on Boylston Street.

Some officials have speculated that Carter might not want to come to Massachusetts and campaign for Edward J. King, the conservative democratic gubernatorial nominee.

Richard Fruchterman, a White House aide, said Tuesday, however, "The President has no plans one way or the other."

King has sent a letter to Carter, asking for his support, and "We'd love to have him up here doing some campaigning," Barry Kaplovita, issues aide to King, said yesterday.

Kaplovitz added there has not yet been an answer to the request.

Just for the Asking

Tom Southwick '71, press secretary to Kennedy, said King has not yet asked for Kennedy's support, but Kennedy will support King.

Some Massachusetts Democrats are currently undecided on King, and have started a "Democrats for Hatch" organization to support Francis W. Hatch '46, the more liberal Republican gubernatorial nominee.

For the race against Hatch, King will not alter his positions favoring captial punishment, proposition 13 and no state funding for abortions "whatsoever," Kaplovitz said. He added that King will only work to broaden his platform.