I have an 83 12a I'm having some trouble starting it when I put the key in pull the choke out and turn the key I turns over then slows down but does not stop turning over but won't start please help I'm also new to rotary engines

 

Could be a number of things. Your battery voltage could be too low, your carburetor could be blocked up, your distributor could be broken. First thing I would check is your fuel system.

 

Have you replaced the battery cables, including the grounds? They may look fine outside, but both red and ground are vitally important on these 30+ year old cars. If it slows down, seems like it's not getting juice, or the battery is not strong enough.

 

Classic case of not enough juice form the battery. As others said, make sure all the basics are good and make sure the battery is fully charged,