Tom Kane (politician)

Tom Kane (23 August 1878 – 20 March 1939) was a Canadian-born American politician who served in the Montana Senate as a member of the Republican party. He also served as the acting Lieutenant Governor of Montana from 1933 to 1934.

Early life
Tom Kane was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, on 23 August 1878 to Matthew Kane and Francis Simpson. He married Grace Idora Laws on 6 June 1909 and had three children.

Political career
Tom Kane was first elected to the Montana Senate in 1915 and ultimately became President Pro Tempore of the Senate from 1929 to 1934. On 13 March 1933, upon the resignation of Governor John Edward Erickson in order to take his newly elected seat as a US Senator for Montana, his Lieutenant Governor Frank Henry Cooney became Governor. This meant that Kane succeeded Cooney as acting Lieutenant Governor that same day. A position which he would fulfill until 1934.

Later life and death
Upon reaching the end of his term in 1934, Tom Kane retired from politics and was succeeded as Lieutenant Governor by fellow republican Ernest T. Eaton. Kane died in Ravalli County, Montana on 20 March 1939. He lies buried at Corvallis Cemetery.